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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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I UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 



THE 



Jfamilg S^ssistant;- 



OR 



BOOK OF PRAYERS 



THE USE OF FAMILIES. 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

/ 

BY SAMUEL e/fISHEE, D.D. 



3 

i/oaB- 



PHILADELPHIA: -^ 

REFORMED CHURCH PUBLICATION BOARD, 907 ARCH STREET, 

AND 
SMITH, ENGLISH & CO., 710 ARCH STREET. 

CINCINNATI, OHIO: 
"christian world" office, 178 ELM STREET. 

/?7^ 






The Library 
OF Congress 

WASHINGTOM 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year, 1873, by 

SAMUEL R. FISHER, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



Jas. B. Rodgers Co., 

Printers and Stereotypers, 

Philadelphia. 



PREFACE. 



Several years ago, the author, at the solicitation of a 
number of personal friends, prepared and published a book 
of prayers for the use of families. The main consideration 
urged in favor of the measure was, that the books of this 
nature already in use, were generally too elevated in style, 
to be used to advantage by those, who need the help they 
are intended to afford. Hence it was thought desirable, 
that another be prepared, in which simplicity and direct- 
ness of language should be specially observed. 

Although an edition of three thousand copies was pub- 
lished, it has long since been exhausted. We had thought, 
that perhaps it had fully subserved its purpose. The fre- 
quent inquiries after it, however, especially during the last 
few years, has led us to believe, that the want for it still 
exists, and is likely to continue for some time to come. 
Hence the work has been carefully revised, with a view to 
shorten the prayers and further simplify their language, 
and is now presented to the public in a stereotyped form. 

As stated in the Preface to the first edition, a large pro- 
portion of the prayers are original. The matter for the 



iv PREFACE. 

remainder has been gathered from various sources. In 
those instances, in which the prayers of other authors have 
been used, either entire or in part, they have, with a very 
few exceptions, been entirely re-written or re-arranged, so 
as to adapt them to the purpose they are specially intended 
to subserve. In the preparation of the work, the author 
acknowledges himself largely indebted for assistance, to a 
small but most excellent collection of prayers by Samuel 
Palmer, which has long since been out of print. He has 
also derived considerable aid from the labors of Bicker- 
steth. Smith, Cotterill, Jenks, Barnes, and others. 

The propriety of the use of forms, it is not intended here 
to discuss. The fact, that, in the absence of their use, many 
Christian families would be wholly without the benefits of 
regular devotional exercises, is sufficient, in the writer's 
estimation, to justify their preparation. Besides this, im- 
portant assistance also can be derived from the perusal of 
carefully prepared forms, even where the exclusive use of 
them can be dispensed with in conducting worship. 

With these remarks, this volume, in its present form, is 
presented to the Christian public, in the hope, that it will 
be favorably received, and with the prayer, that, under 
the blessing of God, it may prove an efficient auxiliary to 
many, in conducting family worship and other religious 
exercises, and thus be the means of greatly furthering the 
important interests of family and social religion. 



CONTENTS. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 

Page. 

First Week 7 

Seconb Week 43 

Thiud Week 80 

FoxJKTH Week 116 

OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

Communion Sunday, Moening 155 

Communion Sunday, Evening 159 

Baptism oe a Child, Morning 163 

Baptism of a Child, Evening 167 

Public Thanksgiving, Morning 170 

Public Thanksgiving, Evening 174 

Day of Public Humiliation, Morning 178 

Day of Public Humiliation, Evening 182 

Christmas, Morning 186 

Christmas, Evening 190 

Last Day of the Year, Evening 194 

First Day of the Year, Morning 198 

Good Friday, Morning 202 

Good Friday, Evening 206 

Easter Sunday, Morning 210 

Easter Sunday, Evening 213 

Ascension Day, Morning 217 

Ascension Day, Evening 220 

Whitsunday, Morning 222 

Whitsunday, Evening 226 

Under Dangerous Sickness 229 

Dangerous Sickness of a Child 232 

Death of a Child 233 

For one in Prospect of Death 234 

Thanksgiving for Recovery from Sickness 237 

Morning before a Funeral 239 

Evening after a Funeral 242 

Consistorial, or other Ecclesiastical Meeting, Opening 246 

Consistorial, or other Ecclesiastical Meeting, Close 246 



CONTENTS. 

SociAi, Meeting, Opening , 247 

Social Meeting, Close 251 

Social Meeting, Opening 253 

Social Meeting, Close 256 

Monthly Conceets fob Missions, Opening 259 

Monthly Concert for Missions, Close 263 

Sunday-School Concert, or Teachers' Meeting, Opening 266 

Sunday-School Concert, or Teachers' Meeting, Close 268 

Sunday-School, Opening 272 

Sunday-School, Close 274 

Week Day School, Opening 276 

Week Day School, Close 278 

PRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS. 

Before Catechetical Instruction 280 

After Catechetical Instruction 282 

Before Confirmation, or Public Profession of Faith 283 

After Confirmation, or Public Profession of Faith 285 

MISCELLANEOUS PETITIONS. 

Fob Direction in any Important Concern 287 

For a Young Person going from Home, with a view to obtain an 

Education, or Prepare for Business 288 

For One Going, or Gone on a Journey 289 

For One Expecting the Time of Travail 289 

For Rain in Time of Drought ^ 290 

For Fair Weather in Time of excesitive Rain 290 

Thanksgiving fob Deliverance from Imminent Danger 291 

Thanksgiving fob a Safe Return from a Journey 291 

Thanksgiving for Rain after a Dbocght 292 

Thanksgiving fob Faib Weatheb after excessive Rain 293 

Thanksgiving foe a Good Haevesi 293 

PRAYERS AT TABLE. 

Befoee Meat 294 

Aftee Meat 296 

PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 

Morning 298 

Evening 300 

Sunday Morning 303 

Sunday Evening 304 

General Prayers 305 

Creed and ten Commandments 307 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 

FIRST WEEK. 

Sunday Morning, 

most merciful and most gracious God and 
Father! we bless Thee for the return of this 
morning's light, and for all the mercies it brings 
with it. This day is the Lord's, and the bless- 
ings and privileges for which it is distinguished, 
are such as belong to Thy Sabbaths in a Chris- 
tian land. May we be in the Spirit on the 
Lord's day, and improve its sacred hours and 
precious privileges to the purpose for which they 
are given. 

Be with us in our moments of retirement. 
Help us to commune with Thee and our own 
hearts. May we read Thy word, and meditate 
on its sacred contents, not as the word of man, 
but as it is in truth, the word of the living God. 
If permitted to go up to Thy courts and mingle 
with Thy people in the public services of the 
sanctuary, may Thy presence and blessing at- 

7 



8 FAMIL Y PR A YERS. 

tend us thither. Enable us to worship before 
Thee in the beauty of holiness, and so to im- 
prove all the hours and privileges of this day, 
both in public and in private, that we shall, in 
our happy experience, make great progress in 
our journey toward the heavenly Jerusalem. 

Grace the assemblies of Thy people with that 
presence of Thine, which Thou hast promised 
where two or three are gathered together in Thy 
name. Build up Thy children in their most 
holy faith. Strengthen them for all Thy mind 
and v/ill concerning them. Convert sinners 
from the error of their ways to the service of 
Thee, the living and true God. Bless the min- 
isters of the Gospel, and help them faithfully to 
proclaim Thy word. Accompany their efforts 
with the influences of the Holy Ghost, and crown 
them with the most abundant success. Send 
abroad the light of Thy truth throughout the 
world; and hasten the coming of the kingdom 
of Thy Son. Multiply such instrumentalities 
as Thou art pleased to employ for this purpose, 
and abundantly succeed them to the end where- 
unto they are sent. 

Remember in much mercy all classes and 
conditions of men. Relieve all who are in cir- 
cumstances of want or distress. Bless our friends 



FIRST WEEK. 9 

and kindred, companions and associates, neigh- 
bors and acquaintances, providing for all their 
interests, both for this world and for that which 
is to come. * * 

Hear, Lord, our prayers. Forgive our sins, 
though numerous and highly aggravated, grant- 
ing us this day and all our days repentance for 
them, even such as is unto life; and help us 
each one ever so to live, that at last, when our 
Sabbaths on earth shall end, we may be permit- 
ted to spend a Sabbath of eternal blessedness 
with Thee in heaven, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord, in whose words we would further address 
Thee, as 

Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be 
Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts 
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
temptation. But deliver us from evil. For 
Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
glory, for ever. Amen. 



** At the places thus indicated, extemporaneous petitions, or some 
one of the paragraphs, found under the head of Miscellaneous Peti- 
tions, may be added, as circumstances suggest. 



10 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS, 

Sunday Evening. 

Thou hast been pleased, Lord, to favor us 
with another of Thy holy Sabbaths. We have 
enjoyed therein, not only the comforts of Thy 
Providence, but also the blessings and privileges 
of Thy grace. We have had Thy word in our 
possession to read and examine for ourselves. 
Thy throne of grace has been accessible to us. 
We have been permitted to place ourselves be- 
neath the droppings of the sanctuary, and have 
had opened up to us a variety of sources of in- 
formation with respect to the things, which con- 
cern our souls' eternal peace. We thank Thee 
for all the mercies and privileges Thou hast thus 
conferred upon us in Jesus Christ Thy Son. 

Follow with Thy blessing our efforts to serve 
Thee this day, so far as they accord with Thy 
will; and do Thou, for Jesus' sake, forgive 
whatsoever Thy pure and holy eyes have seen 
amiss. In many things we offend, and in all 
we come infinitely short of what Thou dost re- 
quire. Deal not with us in anger, or accord- 
ing to our deserts; but remember us in mercy. 

Bless Thy word unto all who have this day 
heard it. May the labors of Thy servants not 
be in vain! Cause Thine own people to be 



FIRST WEEK. 11 

thereby quickened in the ways of holy obedi- 
ence, while sinners shall be induced to turn 
from their sins unto Thee an*d live. May thus 
Thy kingdom come, and Thy will be done on 
earth as in heaven. * * 

Be with us this night. Watch over us 
throughout its silent hours. Protect us from 
harm. Kefresh us with quiet and comfortable 
repose. Prepare us for the labors and duties 
of the week before us, and for all that awaits 
us throughout our pilgrimage in this present 
evil world. Help us so to live from day to day, 
that, at last, when our days on earth shall be 
ended, we may render our account to Thee with 
joy, and not with grief, through Jesus Christ, 
our Lord and Kedeemer, who hath taught us, 
when addressing Thee, to say, 

Our Father, who art in heaven, &c. 



Monday Morning, 

Lord, most merciful and most gracious! 
slow to anger and abundant in goodness and 
truth. As such. Thou hast proclaimed Thy- 
self in Thy holy word, and as such. Thou art 
constantly manifesting Thyself in Thy deal- 
ings with the children of men. We are this 



12 FAMIL Y PRA YER8. 

morning in the land of the living, the monu- 
ments of Thy sparing mercy, and the witnesses 
of Thy boundless compassion and love. Thou 
hast been with us during the past night, and 
preserved us from harm. No evil has befallen 
us, nor any plague come nigh our dwelling. 
To Thee we would render our most hearty 
thanks for the love and mercy Thou hast thus 
shown us. 

Take us into Thy care and keeping this day. 
Manifest Thyself graciously present with us 
throughout its various vicissitudes. Guard us 
against every species of evil. Save us espe- 
cially from sin, and help us to walk uprightly 
before Thee in the land of the living. Let 
Thy fear be constantly before our eyes, and 
Thy glory the ultimate end of all our actions. 
May we live this day, and all our days, not 
unto ourselves, but unto Jesus Christ, who died 
for us, rose again, and ever liveth to make in- 
tercession for us. 

Suffer us not to fall into temptation ; but if 
Thy will be otherwise, do Thou, with the temp- 
tation, provide for us a way of escape. Make 
us equal to all our duties. Help us to rise su- 
perior to every difficulty; and especially in our 
spiritual conflicts, may we come off conquerors, 



FIRST WEEK, 13 

and more than conquerors, through Jesus Christ, 
who loved us, and gave Himself for us. Give 
us success in our lawful undertakings; and 
may all our pursuits be followed in subser- 
viency to Thy righteous and holy will. 

Kemember in much mercy, this morning, all 
for whom we should pray. Do good unto Thy 
children and people every where. Bless our 
friends and kindred, and make them Thy 
friends and followers and the heirs of heaven. 
Have compassion on sinners. Bring them to 
repentance, and lead them to the Lamb of God, 
who taketh away the sins of the world. Suc- 
cor the tempted. Furnish relief to all who are 
in want or distress. Heal the sick; prepare 
the dying for death, and the living for glorify- 
ing and praising Thee. * * 

Hear us, Lord, in our supplications. Re- 
mit unto us our sins, and own us all at last as 
Thine, through riches of grace in Jesus Christ 
our Redeemer. Amen. 



Monday Evening, 

We thank Thee, Lord our God and Fa- 
ther in Jesus Christ Thy Son, that Thou hast 
brought us in safety to the close of another 
2 



14 FAMIL Y PEA YEBS. 

day. Many have been the dangers to which 
we were exposed, in the house and by the way ; 
but Thou hast safely delivered us from them 
all. We are this night still enjoying the com- 
forts of Thy providence and sharing the bless- 
ings and privileges of Thy grace. We praise 
Thee for all the mercies we are receiving at 
Thy hands ; but especially for the gift of Thy 
Son; for the work of redemption; and for the 
various means of grace, we are permitted to 
enjoy in and through Him. Let Thy goodness 
ever lead us to repentance for our sins, and 
Thy long-suffering eventuate in the salvation 
of our souls. 

Look with special favor and regard upon all 
men. Help them to make Thee, the living 
and true God, their trust. May they find in 
Thee all they need, both for this world and for 
that which is to come. Enable Thine own pro- 
fessing children ever to live near the throne of 
grace. May they largely experience the con- 
solations of religion, and be strengthened in all 
things to walk worthy of their high and holy 
vocation. Bring sinners every where to repent- 
ance, and conduct them to the fountain, which 
Thou hast opened in the house of David, for the 
washing away of sin and uncleanness. Pros- 



FIRST WEEK. 15 

per Thine own cause in the world. Bring to 
naught the works of darkness, and cause right- 
eousness and peace every where to abound. 

Bless the land in which we dwell. Make it 
Immanuers land. Give wisdom to our rulers, 
such as is profitable to direct. May they rule 
in Thy fear, and the people learn to obey in 
righteousness. May we, as a nation, become as 
much distinguished for our devotedness to Thee, 
as we are for our civil and religious privileges. 

Look in mercy upon Thy Church. Bless es- 
pecially that portion of it, with which we are 
more immediately connected. Smile upon her 
institutions of learning, and succeed all her 
lawful efforts to enlarge her borders. Bless 
her ministry. Greatly increase their number, 
and may they become more and more distin- 
guished for their zeal and activity in the cause 
of their divine Master. Fill her membership 
with a spirit of entire consecration to Thy 
cause ; and may she thus become indeed a 
glory and a praise in the earth. * * 

Forgive, Lord, through the atoning mer- 
its of Thy Son, the manifold sins and follies we 
have committed during the past day. May we 
lie down this night at peace with Thee, and 
our souls return to Thee and repose in Thee as 



16 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

their rest. Take care of us during the defence- 
less hours of sleep. Strengthen us for the 
duties and events of to-morrow, if it shall 
please Thee to spare us to behold its light and 
mingle in its scenes; and prepare Thou us for 
every thing Thou hast appointed for us in our 
pilgrimage through this world. May we ever 
be guided by Thy good Spirit, and finally ob- 
tain the salvation of our souls, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Tuesday Morning, 

Our Father who art in heaven, we come be- 
fore Thee this morning once more in the char- 
acter of worshipers; and we pray Thee to 
regard us in mercy, and for the sake of Jesus 
Christ Thy Son, to impart unto us the influ- 
ences we need to approach Thee in a becoming 
and acceptable manner. 

Thou hast dealt with us in great loving- 
kindness during the time past of our lives. 
From day to day hast Thou watched over us, 
and brought us in safety even to the present 
moment. We have been abundantly favored 
with the comforts of Thy providence and with 
the blessings and privileges of Thy grace. Du- 



FIRST WEEK. 17 

ring the past night, Thou hast kindly watched 
over us, and permitted us to enjoy quiet and 
comfortable repose. This morning finds us 
still in the land of the living, in the place of 
hope and repentance, and in the possession of all 
that is essential to our true interests here, and 
our eternal felicity hereafter. We thank Thee, 
Lord, in the sincerity of our hearts, for all 
we have thus received at Thy hands, and pray 
for grace and strength to give proper expression 
to our gratitude in all our life and conduct. 

May we this day find Thee present with us 
still, in the midst of all the diversified scenes 
through which we shall be called to pass. We 
know not what a day or an hour may bring 
forth. Our lives, and all that concerns us, are 
in Thy hands, and Thou dost dispose of them 
as seemeth good in Thy sight. Choose out for 
us all our changes, and help us to accommo- 
date ourselves to them, whether they be com- 
fortable or afflictive. May we appreciate all 
our mercies and privileges aright, and improve 
them to the purpose for which they are given. 
Help us cheerfully to acquiesce in whatsoever 
afflictive dispensations of Providence Thou 
mayest send upon us, and may we find them, 
in our happy experience, to work together for 

2* 



1 8 FAMIL Y PBA YERS, 

our good, as they do unto all Thy true chil- 
dren in Christ Jesus. 

Strengthen us for the faithful and successful 
discharge of the various duties, which shall 
this day devolve upon us. May we be true to 
our relations and obligations. From the oldest 
to the youngest, from the least unto the great- 
est, may we all learn to fear God, and to follow 
after the things which work righteousness and 
peace. May we all prove ourselves instruments 
in Thy hands for the accomplishment of some 
good in our day and generation ! Let the love 
of Christ, shed abroad in our hearts by the 
power of the Holy Ghost, control us in all our 
thoughts, words and actions. 

Bless us as a family. May we so dwell to- 
gether in Thy fear, as mutually to subserve 
each other's interests for time and for eternity. 
Enable us to carry about with us the Spirit of 
our divine Master, and to exemplify it in 
every thing we say or do. Do good unto all 
connected with us in this interesting and im- 
portant relation. Provide for all their inter- 
ests, and especially for those which concern the 
welfare of the soul. 

Remember in much mercy, the whole hu- 
man family. Bestow upon the several mem- 



FIBST WEEK. 19 

bers thereof, the blessings they respectively 
need. May Thy fear be implanted in every 
heart, and all learn to follow after the things 
which make for their eternal peace. * * 

Our supplications are once more before Thee, 
Lord. Hear us in mercy and answer us in 
peace. Let our sins all be blotted out of the 
book of Thy remembrance, and our souls even- 
tually saved with an everlasting salvation, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, our Strength 
and our Redeemer. Amen. 



Tuesday Evening, 

Almighty and ever living God, we gather 
this evening as a band of worshipers around 
our family altar, and would unite in present- 
ing to Thee our customary sacrifice of prayer, 
and praise, and thanksgiving. We rejoice, 
that this privilege has been again accorded 
us, and under a deep consciousness of our in- 
sufficiency of ourselves to improve it aright, we 
would look to Thee for enlarged communica- 
tions of Thy grace, so that the offering we 
bring Thee, may be acceptable in Thy sight, 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Strength 
and our Redeemer. 



20 FAMIL Y PEA YERS. 

We have this day been again the recipients 
of Thy mercies, and the objects of Thy special 
favor and regard. All our wants, both tempo- 
ral and spiritual, have been supplied as they 
returned. We have had food to eat, raiment 
to put on, and a comfortable place of abode. 
And in addition to all these creature comforts, 
we have also largely shared the blessings and 
privileges of Thy grace. What more could 
have been done for our temporal and eternal 
interests, than Thou hast been pleased to do ? 
And yet, in the midst of all Thy mercies, to 
what little purpose do we live, and how little 
fruit do we bring forth ! We would humble 
ourselves before Thee, this evening, in view of 
our manifold sins and short-comings, and pray 
for the manifestation of Thy pardoning mercy 
and forgiving love, as they are exercised in 
Jesus Christ Thy Son. At the same time, 
we would raise our hearts to Thee, in grateful 
acknowledgments, for the manifold tokens of 
Thy loving-kindness, with which Thou hast 
been pleased to favor us this day. 

May we this night continue to be the ob- 
jects of Thy care. Let the arms of Thy love 
and mercy encircle us throughout its silent 
watches. Suffer us not to be overtaken with 



FIRST WEEK. 21 

harm or danger. Permit us to enjoy refresh- 
ing sleep, and may we find ourselves greatly 
strengthened thereby, for the duties and events, 
which await us during the coming day. Fit us 
for Thy mind and will concerning us on earth, 
and for glory and blessedness in the world to 
come. 

Do us good this night as individuals. Come 
Thou into each one of our hearts ; take up 
Thine abode with us, and rule in us and reign 
over us without a rival. Make us all Thy 
children in truth and in deed, and help us each 
one to walk worthy of our high and holy rela- 
tions. 

Bless all who truly love the Lord Jesus 
Christ. May they at all times largely experi- 
ence the consolations of Thy grace. Have 
compassion upon the perishing ; and do Thou 
every where display the power and the glory 
of Thy grace in the salvation of souls. And 
thus may the period be soon introduced, which 
Thou hast promised shall come, when Jesus 
shall reign in the hearts of the children of men, 
King of nations, as He now reigns King of 
saints. * * 

Now, Lord, what wait we for? Truly our 
help is in Thee. Let Thy presence accompany 



22 FAMIL Y PR A YERS, 

US throughout our whole pilgrimage in this 
present evil world; and when Thou hast sub- 
served Thy wise and holy purposes with re- 
spect to us here below, introduce us all into the 
joys of heaven, through riches of grace in 
Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 



Wednesday Morning, 

Infinitely great and glorious Lord God 
Almighty ! whose throne is in the heavens, 
and whose kingdom ruleth over all. We are 
the creatures of Thy power, the workmanship 
of Thy hands, and the daily pensioners of Thy 
bounty. Thou hast brought us into being and 
dost uphold and sustain us therein from day 
to day. To Thee are we indebted for every 
mercy and blessing, which distinguishes our 
lot. 

"We would this morning record Thy loving- 
kindness with grateful hearts. We would 
erect our Ebenezer to Thee, and say, Hitherto, 
Lord, hast Thou helped us. It is of the Lord's 
mercies, that we have not been consumed; yea, 
because Thy compassions fail not, but are re- 
newed every morning and evening, and re- 
peated every moment of our lives. We would 



FIRST WEEK. 23 

praise Thee this morning for the comforts of 
the past night, and for the blessings and privi- 
leges, with which we are this moment sur- 
rounded. 

Let Thy presence and blessing attend us this 
day. May we be secure, under the shadow of 
Thy wings, against every thing that would dis- 
turb or destroy. Qualify us, in an especial 
manner, for the proper performance of our sev- 
eral duties, and for the faithful . improvement 
of our multiplied privileges. Preside over all 
our thoughts, and feelings, and words, and 
actions, and overrule all for the glory of Thy 
name and the good of our souls. 

Bless us in our associated capacity. May 
we, as a family, be as much distinguished for 
our devotedness to Thee, as we are for the 
mercies of Thy Providence and the privileges 
of Thy grace. Let us each one possess the 
spirit of our stations, and be enabled, in our 
respective spheres, to occupy faithfully, even 
until Thou dost come. And grant, Lord, 
especially, that we may all so live and act, 
that, as we now constitute a family here below, 
we may at last be permitted to constitute a 
portion of that great family, of which Christ 
Jesus is the head. 



24 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

Look in mercy, this morning, upon all, who 
are near and dear unto our hearts. Provide 
for all their interests, and especially for those 
which involve the welfare of their souls. Make 
all Thy children true to their relations and ob- 
ligations. May they thus be instrumental in 
accomplishing much good in their day and gene- 
ration. Have mercy upon sinners. Let them 
be plucked as brands from the eternal burn- 
ings, and made the trophies of Thy grace, and 
the monuments of Thy sparing mercy, and the 
living witnesses of Thy boundless goodness and 
love. * * 

Hear us, Lord, in our prayers, this morn- 
ing, seeing we offer all in the name and through 
the mediation of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. 
Amen. 



Wednesday Evening. 

Thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, the 
most high God over all the earth 1 Help us 
to approach Thee this evening, with becoming 
sentiments of awe and reverence for Thy ma- 
jesty. Forbid that we should trifle in Thy 
presence. We fear, that we only too often 
draw near to Thee with our lips, when our 



FIRST WEEK. 25 

hearts are far from Thee. Forgive, Lord, 
whatsoever has been amiss in us in this respect, 
and preserve us against similar transgressions 
in time to come. To this end, fill us with the 
spirit of prayer and supplication, that we may, 
at all times, wait upon Thee in sincerity and in 
truth. 

Thou art constantly placing us under re- 
newed obligations to Thee. From day to 
day are our unprofitable lives prolonged, and 
crowned with the acts of Thy loving-kindness 
and compassionate regard. During the day 
that is past, especially, have we been the recipi- 
ents of the tol^ens of Thy special favor and 
love. We have had all that was requisite to 
our comfort and peace in this world, and 
to our eternal interests in that which is to 
come. 

We praise Thee, Lord, for all these mer- 
cies and privileges. May they not be spent 
upon us in vain, but lead us to repentance for 
our sins, awaken in our hearts feelings of un- 
feigned gratitude and love, and constrain us to 
consecrate ourselves, with all that we have and 
are, to Thy service, as the only suitable return 
we can make for what we are receiving at Thy 
hands. 
3 



26 FAMIL Y PEA YERS, 

We are about to commit us once more to our 
beds for the repose of the night. We ask Thy 
presence with us, and Thy blessing upon us. 
Wilt Thou give Thine angels charge over us, 
that no evil may befal us, nor any plague come 
nigh unto us. If it shall please Thee to permit 
us to see the light of another day, and to enter 
upon its duties and privileges, prepare us lor 
all that shall await us therein. May all our 
time on earth be spent in Thy fear and service, 
so as to fit us for spending an eternity of bless- 
edness with Thee in heaven. 

Should it be Thy will to call any of us hence 
ere another day dawn upon us, prepare us for 
the solemn and trying event. May our peace 
be made with Thee, and our right and title to 
eternal life secured, in and through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. May we ever hold ourselves in 
such an attitude of readiness to meet Thee, at 
the hour of Thy coming, that death may not, 
at any time, overtake us by surprise. 

We would this night pray, not for ourselves 
only, but also for all, whom we should remem- 
ber at the throne of Thy heavenly grace. Be- 
stow upon them the several blessings we crave 
for ourselves. Especially deny them not the 
things, which are essential to their souls' eternal 



FIRST WEEK, 27 

peace. May Thy grace and glory be ever dis- 
played in the deliverance of those, who are per- 
ishing in their sins. ^ * 

These blessings, Lord, we ask not in our 
own name, nor for our own sake, but in the 
name and for the sake of Jesus Christ Thy Son, 
who is worthy, with Thee, the Father and the 
Eternal Spirit, to receive praises and glory 
everlasting. Amen. 



Thursday Morning, 

Lord God Almighty, the Creator of heaven 
and earth, the Lord of Glory ! Unto Thee 
would we come in the name of Jesus Christ. 
May we now by Him, through the Holy Spirit, 
have access with confidence to the throne of 
grace ! 

We would acknowledge before Thee, our 
great sinfulness and unworthiness. In thought, 
in word, and in deed, have we often sinned 
against Thee, and against each other. For 
Thine own name and Thy mercy's sake, blot 
out our transgressions, and remember not our 
sins against us. Deliver us from hardness of 
heart, earthly-mindedness, want of charity, 
hastiness of spirit, and from every sinful word 



28 FAMIL Y PR A YEBS. 

and action. Help ns ever hereafter to walk 
worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. 

May we, with all lowliness and meekness, 
with long suffering, forbearing one another in 
love, endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit 
in the bond of peace. Give each of us grace to 
fulfil our duties to each other. May we so live 
as to realize, in our happy experience, how 
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to 
dwell together in unity ! 

Enable those of us, who are parents, to bring 
up our children in the nurture and admonition 
of the Lord; and may such as are children, 
learn to obey their parents in all things. 

Pour out Thy Spirit copiously upon all who 
minister in holy things. Cause Thy Church 
every where to flourish and increase. May her 
membership grow in purity, love and zeal. Add 
daily to their number, in our own country and 
in heathen lands, such as shall be saved. Bless 
every missionary, who has gone forth to preach 
to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. 
Give unto them more and more grace, that they 
may labor zealously, wisely, and successfully in 
Thy cause. 

Accept our united^thanksgivings, for all the 
blessings we daily so richly enjoy, and especially 



FIRST WEEK. 29 

for the kind protection of another night. We 
would thank Thee also for the many dear ties 
of relationship, affection and Christian princi- 
ciples, which bind us together. May we be more 
and more knit together in Christian love. 

But beyond all other mercies, we would bless 
Thee for the gift of Thy Son, as our only Sa- 
viour, our only hope and our sure refuge. May 
we be enabled to say, that we are all one in 
Christ, members of that body, of which He is the 
head ! For such an unspeakable mercy, may we 
ever have cause to bless and praise Thee.* * 

Thou hast given us this opportunity of as- 
sembling together once more, to present to Thee 
our morning sacrifice. We thank Thee for the 
mercy therein revealed to us, and pray, that, 
however we may be separated here below, or 
however scattered in our different stations or 
pursuits, as we have now met together here on 
earth, so may we hereafter all meet in heaven, 
for Christ's sake. Amen. 



Thursday Evening. 

Gracious and merciful God ! Thou art slow to 
anger, great in power, and rich in mercy unto 
all who call upon Thee. Help us now so to ask, 

3* 



30 FAMIL Y PEA YJEBS, 

in the name of Christ, that we shall receive; 
so to seek, that we shall find; and so to knock, 
that it shall be opened unto us. 

Enter not into judgment with us; for in Thy 
sight shall no flesh living be j ustified. However 
correct our lives may appear to men, we are con- 
scious, that, before Thee, who searcheth the 
heart and trieth the reins, we have come infi- 
nitely short of what Thou dost require. We this 
night confess and bewail before Thee the mani- 
fold sins of our past lives, and especially those 
of the past day. 

Give us, Lord, a contrite spirit. Show 
mercy toward us in pardoning our sins and in 
renewing our souls. May we be enabled to exer- 
cise penitence, faith, and self-denial, and every 
Christian grace and virtue. Let the love of 
Christ be more and more known and felt by us, 
and constrain us to live, not unto ourselves, but 
unto Him who died for us. Grant us Thy Holy 
Spirit, to teach us those things of which we are 
ignorant, taking of the things of Christ and 
showing them unto us, and to renew our na- 
tures, and sanctify our hearts. 

We commend us to Thy care during the 
night. May we lie down at peace with Thee, 
and with all men. If permitted to rise again 



FIRST WEEK, 31 

from our beds of repose, may we enter upon our 
duties with renewed zeal, and increased devoted- 
ness to Thy service. 

Look in mercy upon all who need an interest 
in our prayers. Will the Lord comfort His own 
people, and furnish relief to such of them as are 
afflicted. Let all nations, whom Thou hast made, 
come and worship before Thee, and glorify Thy 
name. May every obstacle, which hinders the 
progress of Thy truth, be removed in mercy. 
Bless all the members of the Church of Jesus 
Christ. Fill her ministers with a double por- 
tion of Thy Spirit. May those especially, with 
whom we are more immediately connected, ma- 
nifest a proper zeal and activity in Thy cause. 

Bless our superiors, our companions and as- 
sociates, and all with whom we have to do. 
Pardon any, who may have injured us; and, if 
we have injured any, may we be ready to con- 
fess our faults and to make restitution; and may 
they be disposed to forgive us. * * 

Accept our grateful acknowledgments for the 
mercies and comforts of the past day. Continue 
Thy favors unto us as we need them. May we 
be enabled at all times so to live in Thy fear 
and to Thy praise, that we shall have admin- 
istered unto us at last an abundant entrance 



32 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

into Thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amejs". 



Friday Morning. 

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven 
and on earth is named, graciously dispose our 
hearts, by the influences of Thy Holy Spirit, 
to worship Thee, through the Mediator, Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 

Accept our unfeigned thanksgivings for the 
light of another day. Thou hast kept us in 
safety during the defenceless hours of the night. 
We have laid us down in peace, and have awoke 
again refreshed, even because Thou, Lord, hast 
sustained us. 

Above all, would we thank Thee for our spi- 
ritual blessings : that we were not born in hea- 
then lands, but in this highly favored country, 
where the light of Thy truth clearly shines. 
We praise Thee for the comfort of the Holy 
Scriptures, for the labors of faithful ministers, 
and for all the means of grace. How great, 
Lord, has been Thy love to us! Thou didst not 
spare Thine own Son, but delivered Him up for 
ns all; and with Him, Thou hast also freely 
given us all things. 



FIRST WEEK. 33 

What shall we render to the Lord for all His 
benefits? We desire afresh to consecrate ourr 
selves to Thy service. The God of peace sanc- 
tify us wholly; and grant that our whole spirit, 
and soul, and body, may be preserved blame- 
less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

May we have power from on high this day to 
resist every temptation, to confess Christ before 
men, to labor steadfastly with an eye single to 
Thy glory, to live in the spirit of prayer, in 
faith, humility, self-denial, and love, and to walk 
before Thee in that narrow way, which leads to 
life. Fill us with love to others. May we seek 
to do good to all men, and help us to keep our- 
selves unspotted from the world. And that all 
these fruits of righteousness may appear in our 
lives, do Thou graciously grant us Thy good 
Spirit, even for Thine own name and for Thy 
glory's sake. 

Hear us also, this morning, in behalf of all for 
whom we should pray. Help those that are 
weak. Comfort those that are cast down. Heal 
those that are sick. Eelieve those that are in 
distress. Be merciful unto Thy Church. Oh 
bless us, and cause Thy face to shine upon us, 
that Thy way may be known on earth, Thy 
saving health among all nations. Bring the 



34 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

heathen to Christ. Gather Thy people Israel 
into Thy fold. Give wisdom, and power t'o 
every effort of Christian love for spreading Thy 
Gospel. Bless all societies formed for this end, 
and let those, who support and conduct them, 
have Thy direction and guidance. Lord, grant, 
that the power of the cross of Christ may at 
length fully triumph over all error and super- 
stition, all idolatry, delusion, and sin.* * 

Gracious Lord, not for our worthiness, but 
only for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, do 
Thou hear us in these our prayers, which we 
would sum up in His own words^ saying, 

Our Father, &c. 

Friday Evening. 

Blessed be Thy great and excellent name, O 
Lord, that Thou didst so love the world, as to 
give Thine only begotten Son, that whosoever 
believeth in Him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. We trust that we are properly 
sensible of our great need of this unspeakable 
gift. We are all sinners by nature, and more 
especially are we such by our constant practice. 
Even the day which has just closed, bears fear- 
ful witness against us, on tlie score of transgres- 



FmST WEEK. 35 

sion. Wert Thou to deal with us as we de- 
serve, we must be forever undone. 

Help us to flee to the refuge, which Thou hast 
provided for us in Jesus Christ Thy Son. May 
we seek in Him, not only pardon and peace; 
but also grace and strength. We are weak, but 
He is strong. Grant that we may find His 
grace to be sufficient for us, and His strength 
perfected in our weakness. May we be united 
to Him, as the branch is united to the vine, so 
that, as He lives, we may live also, and that 
when He, who is our life, shall appear, we may 
also appear with Him in glory. 

We praise Thee, this night, as the Giver of 
every good and perfect gift. Thy mercies have 
been continued unto us during the past day. 
Thou hast administered abundantly to the sup- 
ply of our returning wants. We have also been 
favored with every comfort our condition re- 
quired. Plelp us to trace all to Thee, the source 
whence they are derived ; and may we make to 
Thee those returns, which are justly Thy due. 

We commend ourselves to Thy care and keep- 
ing during the night. Let no evil come nigh 
us. May our last thoughts be with Thee; and 
when we awake, may we be still with Thee. 
Refresh our bodies with quiet repose; and renew 



36 FAMIL Y PEA YERS, 

our souls also with spiritual strength. Teach 
us ever to watch and pray, and to be always 
ready, seeing we know not the day nor the hour, 
when the Son of Man shall come. 

Extend Thy merciful care to all who are near 
and dear to us. We pray for all our relatives. 
May those, who are endeared to us by the ties 
of nature, be yet still more endeared to us by 
the stronger bonds of grace. Grant that we may 
all be one in Christ Jesus our Lord. We pray 
also for our Christian friends, for our neighbors, 
and for all with whom we have intercourse. 

Bless those who minister before the Lord. 
May they be faithful, wise, humble, and devoted 
servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every where 
raise up pastors according to Thine own heart, 
who shall feed Thy people with knowledge and 
understanding. Grant Thy blessing to every 
missionary now preaching Christ to the heathen. 
Cause Jew and Gentile to turn to the Lord, that 
they may be saved. Bring on the happy day, 
when there shall be one fold and one Shepherd ; 
and when they shall not hurt, nor destroy in all 
Thy holy mountain ; and do Thou also fill the 
whole earth with Thy glory. * * * 

And now, Lord, our eyes, our hearts, and our 
hopes are directed to Thee. May our rightful 



FIRST WEEK, 37 

expectations not be disappointed. Do Thou 
help us, and all Thy children, so to live, that we 
shall be enabled, through the Spirit, to ascribe 
blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, unto 
Him, who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the 
Lamb, forever and ever. Amen. 



Saturday Morning, 

This morning, Lord, we once more appear 
before Thee, as worshipers. May the feelings 
of our hearts, and the sentiments of our minds, 
as well as the words of our lips, correspond 
with the solemnity of the position we are occu- 
pying. 

We would praise Thee for Thy preserving 
mercy through another night. We have laid 
us down, and slept, and awoke again, refreshed, 
because Thou hast sustained us. Help us to 
enter, with proper feelings, sentiments, and pur- 
povses, upon the duties and dangers of another 
day. May we realize, that we are not our own, 
but belong to our faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ, 
who has purchased us with His own blood. 
Our bodies and souls; our life, our property, our 
health, our talents, are all Thine. Help us to 
4 



38 FAMIL Y PRA YERS, 

employ them in Thy service, and for Thy glory. 
Make us useful to our fellow-men. Open be- 
fore us the paths of benevolence and dispose us 
to walk therein. Oh that we may not live in 
vain! 

Eegard in mercy, Thy Church, the mystical 
body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Heal all her 
divisions. Impart unto her membership a spirit 
of increased zeal and devotion to Thy cause. 
May they appreciate aright the privileges of 
Thy grace, with which they are so richly fa- 
vored, and seek to extend them unto all, who 
are perishing without them. 

Raise up additional laborers in the vineyard 
of our Lord, and send them forth into the des- 
titute portions of the earth. May they be 
meek, humble, patient, believing, laborious, and 
persevering men, such as are demanded by the 
wants of a perishing world ; men willing to 
spend themselves and be spent for the cause of 
Christ. Keep them sound in the faith, as well 
as pure in heart and life. May they open their 
mouth boldly, to proclaim the mysteries of the 
Gospel. Give them success in their labors of 
love. Let the course of Thy Providence pre- 
pare the way for such a result. May every 
fresh advance, either in commerce, science^ or 



FIRST WEEK, 39 

arts, aid the coming of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
May all things thus work together for the good 
of Thy cause, until all shall be brought to 
know Thee, the only true God, from the least 
unto the greatest. 

And that these glorious ends may be speedily 
secured, we pray Thee to grant a full out-pour- 
ing of Thy Holy Spirit upon all flesh; upon 
kings of the earth and all people; upon Chris- 
tian ministers everywhere ; upon princes, sena- 
tors, and magistrates; upon young men and 
maidens,. old men and children. Let them all 
praise the name of the Lord, whose name alone 
is excellent, and whose glory is above the earth 
and the heavens. * * 

It is not our glory, but Thine, Lord, we 
would seek. We long, we ask, we pray, that 
Thy will may be done on earth as in heaven ; 
that all nations, whom Thou hast made, may 
come and worship before Thee, and glorify Thy 
name. Lord, Thou knowest our desires, though 
we may not know how to express them as we 
should. Do for us, and for Thy Church, ex- 
ceeding abundantly above all that we ask or 
think, for Thy great name's sake. 

These prayers we offer in the name of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



40 FAMIL Y PBA YERS, 

Saturday Evening. 

Thou hast brought us, Lord, in safety to 
the close of this day, and therewith also to the 
close of the week, and to the eve of another of 
Thy holy Sabbaths. Help us now to draw nigh 
unto Thee with pure hearts, in the full assu- 
rance of faith, and to present to Thee such an 
offering, as Thou shalt be pleased to accept. 

We are Thy needy and dependent creatures. 
Our wants are many and great; but Thou 
canst and dost supply them out of Thine inex- 
haustible fulness. Impress us deeply with a 
sense of our obligations to Thee, and grant us 
grace and strength to meet them all faithfully 
in Thy fear. 

We have seen Thy loving-kindness every 
morning, and Thy faithfulness every night; 
and have had all things richly to enjoy. But 
how little have we been affected by the in- 
stances of Thy undeserved goodness ! How 
imperfectly have we improved our religious pri- 
vileges ! How negligent have we been, in seiz- 
ing opportunities of doing good, to the bodies 
and souls of our fellow-creatures ! And how 
well does it become each one of us to exclaim : 
Behold, I am vile ; what shall I answer Thee ? 



FIRST WEEK. 41 

Wherefore, I abhor myself, repenting in dust 
and ashes. 

We appear before Thee, this evening, ac- 
knowledging our trespasses and sins. Enter 
not into judgment with Thy servants, Lord. 
Our only hope, our only encouragement, is in 
the fact, that, to the Lord our God belong mer- 
cies and forgiveness in Jesus Christ His Son, 
though we have rebelled against Him. Have 
mercy upon us, God, according to Thy loving- 
kindness; according to the multitude of Thy 
tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. 

And may a sense of Thy goodness to us, in- 
stead of encouraging us to sin, that grace may 
abound, lead us to the exercise of that godly 
sorrow, which worketh repentance unto life. 
May we hate every evil and false way. Make 
us attentive to our condition, and help us to 
study our character. Enable us to bridle our 
tongue and to keep our heart with all diligence. 
Protect us by Thy power and uphold us by Thy 
free Spirit; and not only restrain us from sin, 
but also mortify us to it. 

May sleep refresh our bodies this night, and 

fit them for Thy service on the ensuing day ; 

and may Thy grace prepare our minds for Avait- 

ing on Thee. Enable us to leave all the cares 

4* 



42 FAMIL Y PBA YERS, 

of the world for awhile behind, that we may 
attend on the Lord without distraction. May 
we repair to the hallowed exercises of devotion, 
as the hart panteth after the water brooks. 
May our experience be such, as to enable us 
to call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the 
Lord, honorable, so that we shall be glad, when 
they say to us: Let us go into the house of the 
Lord. * ^ 

And, Thou God of all grace, do as Thou 
hast said ; fulfill Thy word unto Thy servants, 
upon which Thou hast caused them to hope. 
Bless abundantly the provisions of Thy house, 
and satisfy Thy poor with bread. Clothe Thy 
priests with salvation, and let Thy saints shout 
aloud for joy. 

And to the God of all grace, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and 
glory, both now, and forever. Amen. 



SECOND WEEK. 

Sunday Morriing. 

Most gracious God and Father ! It is good 
for us to draw near to Thee. Oh do Thou draw 
nigh unto us! 

We bless Thee for the return of this morn- 
ing's light. Let the day-spring from on high 
visit our souls, and the Sun of righteousness 
arise with healing in His beams. This is the 
day the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and 
be glad in it. May it indeed be the Sabbath of 
the Lord in our dwelling, and in our hearts; a 
Sabbath of rest from sin, and of rest in God. 
Enable us, we pray Thee, so to sanctify this day, 
that it may be made the means of our sanctifi- 
cation. Grant, that, by resting from our worldly 
employments, our hearts may be taken from 
present things ; and that, by employing our 
time in the worship of God, we may be led into 
a more experimental acquaintance with the 
work of heaven, and be made more meet for 
that blessed world. 

Assist us in all the religious services of this, 
Thine own holy day. Go with us to the solemn 
assembly ; for, if Thy presence go not with us, 

43 



44 FAMILY PBAYEBS. 

wherefore should we go thither ? Help us to 
draw nigh unto Thee with a true heart, in the 
full assurance of faith. Meet us, Lord, with 
a blessing. Let Thy word come with life and 
power upon our souls, and be as good seed sown 
in good soil, taking root and bringing forth fruit 
to Thy praise. And let our prayers and praises 
be spiritual sacrifices, acceptable in Thy sight, 
through Jesus Christ. 

We pray, Lord, that Thy presence may be 
in all Christian assemblies this day. Grace be 
with all those, who love the Lord Jesus Christ 
in sincerity ; yea, let great grace be upon them 
all. Assist all the ministers of the Gospel, that 
they may rightly divide Thy word of truth, 
and speak with plainness, fervor, and success. 
Bless Thy servant, on whose ministry we at- 
tend, and make him an instrument of much 
good to our souls. Give us repentance for all our 
sins, and that faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, 
which results in the salvation of the soul. 

In the chariot of the everlasting Gospel, 
may the great Redeemer ride forth triumph- 
antly, conquering and to conquer, and let every 
thought be subdued into obedience unto Him. 
May many be brought to believe the report of 
the Gospel, and to many may the arm of the 



SECOND WEEK, 45 

Lord be revealed. May sinners be converted 
to Thee, and Thy saints be built up in know- 
ledge, faith, holiness, and comfort, unto salva- 
tion. * * 

Now the God of hope fill us with joy and 
peace in believing, for Christ Jesus' sake, our 
blessed Saviour and Redeemer, who hath taught 
us to pray, 

Our Father, who art in heaven, &c. 



Sunday Evening, 

0, Eternal and glorious Lord! Thou art 
over all, God blessed for ever ; most wise and 
powerful, holy, just, and good. Thou art happy 
without us, and needest not our services ; nor 
can our goodness extend unto Thee. But with- 
out Thee, we are miserable ; and if Thy good- 
ness extend not unto us, we are forever undone. 
We, therefore, entreat Thy favor with our 
whole heart. Thy loving-kindness is better 
than life. 

Let the love of the world be rooted out of us, 
and that covetousness, which is idolatry; and 
let the love of God in Christ be shed abroad in 
our hearts, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
Mortify in us all envy, malice, and uncharita- 



46 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS, 

bleness; and engage us to love one another 
with a pure heart fervently, as becomes the fol- 
lowers of the blessed Jesus, who has given us 
this as His new commandment. 

Bless abundantly all the members of this 
family, and make us blessings to each other. 
Help us faithfully to discharge the duties of our 
several stations, in an honorable, acceptable, and 
useful manner; and give us all a happy meeting 
at last in the house eternal in the heavens. 

We bless Thee, gracious God, for the conti- 
nued comforts of life, and particularly for all 
the mercies of this Thine own holy day. How 
amiable are Thy tabernacles, Lord of hosts! 
A day in Thy courts is better than a thousand 
elsewhere. Bless the word which we have this 
day heard, both to us and to all who attended 
upon it. Hear the prayers we have offered; 
accept our praises, and forgive whatever Thy 
pure eye has seen amiss in our attempts to 
serve Thee. 

Bless all the ministers of Thy holy word. 
Make them burning and shining lights; faithful 
to Christ and the souls of men. Unite them 
and Thy people together in truth and love. 
Pour out upon them a healing spirit; a spirit of 
charity, forbearance, and condescension. With 



SECOND WEEK. 47 

one consent, may they all study to promote the 
interests of our great Master, and the common 
salvation of precious souls. 

We pray for all our friends and relatives, 
that they may be the objects of Thy providen- 
tial care, and enriched with the blessings of Thy 
heavenly grace. Oh that none of our friends 
may be enemies to God ! Bless the rising gene- 
ration, and let them be a seed to serve Thee. 
Let Thy work, Lord, appear unto Thy ser- 
vants, and /Thy glory unto their children. 

We would also commend to Thy tender com- 
passion the sick and afflicted, the poor and 
needy, the tempted and disconsolate, the widows 
and fatherless. Be Thou a present help unto 
them in every time of trouble. Do good unto 
those that are good; unto all the upright in 
heart. * * 

Take us under Thy protection this night, 
and enable us to close the day with Thee, that 
we may lie down in peace, and our sleep may 
be sweet. Be with us through the ensuing 
week. Enable us to carry into it something of 
this day's enjoyments, so that we may be the 
better fitted for another Sabbath, if we shall 
live to see it. And grant, that, by all the means 
of grace we enjoy on earth, we may be made 



48 TAMIL Y PBA YERS. 

meet for the everlasting Sabbath above, when 
time and days shall be no more. 

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invi- 
sible, the only wise God and our Saviour, be 
honor and glory, dominion and praise, hence- 
forth and forever. Amen. 



Monday Morning, 

Lord our God, we desire with all humility 
and reverence to adore Thee, as a being infi- 
nitely blessed and glorious. Thou hast all per- 
fection in and of Thyself, and art the fountain 
of all being, life, and blessedness. May we all 
esteem our daily worship of Thee, the most 
needful part of our daily business, and the most 
pleasant of our daily comforts. 

We humbly thank Thee for the mercies of 
the past night and for the comforts of this 
morning. We have had a place to lay our 
heads, and have been shielded from harm. 
Thanks be to God, that no plague has come 
nigh our dwelling. 

To Thy care, Lord, we commit ourselves 
this day. Compass us about with Thy favor, 
as with a shield. Preserve our going out and 
our coming in. Keep us from all evil; but 



SECOND WEEK. 49 

especially from the evil of sin. Let us not be 
23rovoked to wrath, or speak unadvisedly with 
our lips. Dispose us to live together in peace 
and holy love; and may the God of love and 
peace be with us. Make us conscientious in 
all our dealings, as becomes those, who see 
Thine eye ever upon us. Arm us against 
every temptation; keep us in the way of duty; 
and preserve us in Thy fear all the day long. 
In every doubtful case, let our way be made 
plain before us, and give us that wisdom, which 
is profitable to direct. Let integrity and up- 
rightness preserve us; for we wait on Thee. 

Prepare us for all the events of this day; for 
we know not what a day may bring forth. 
And make us to stand complete in Thy whole 
will. May we be willing to deny ourselves, to 
take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. Fit 
Thou us for death, for judgment, and for eter- 
nity. Give us grace to live every day as those, 
who know not but it may be our last. 

Plead Thine own cause in the world. Build 
up Thy Church, and erect the throne of the 
Redeemer on the ruins of Satan's kingdom. 
Let the Reformation Churches become more re- 
formed. Support and deliver those, who suffer 
for righteousness' sake. Do good to us in these 
5 



60 FAMIL Y PEA YEBS, 

United States. Bless all in authority. Guide 
the public councils, and overrule all affairs for 
Thine own glory. Let peace and truth prevail 
in our day, and be preserved to those, who shall 
come after us. 

Be gracious unto our relatives, friends, and 
neighbors, according to their several necessities. 
Supply the wants of all Thy people. Dwell in 
the families of those that fear Thee, and call 
upon Thy name. Forgive our enemies, and 
give us a right and charitable spirit toward all 
men. Visit, comfort, and relieve the afflicted. 
Succor the tempted; support the oppressed; 
and give joy to those who mourn in Zion. Deal 
with us and our family according to the tenor 
of the everlasting covenant, which is well or- 
dered in all things and sure; which is all our 
salvation and all our desire. * * 

Now, blessed be God for all His gifts, both of 
nature and of grace ; for those which concern 
this life and that which is to come ; especially 
for Jesus Christ, the fountain and foundation of 
all. Pardon our sins and imperfections; accept 
our services ; and grant us an answer of peace, 
for His sake, who died for us and arose again ; 
and who hath taught us to pray, 

Our Father, &c. 



SECOND WEEK. 51 

Monday Evening, 

Most holy, blessed, and glorious God ! whose 
we are, and whom we are bound to serve. 
Thou makest the outgoings of the morning 
and of the evening to rejoice. Through Thy 
good hand upon us, have we closed another 
day, and we come together, this evening, to 
mention the loving-kindness of the Lord, and 
the praises of our God, whose mercy endureth 
forever. Blessed be the Lord, who loadeth us 
with His benefits, even the God of our salva- 
tion. 

We confess, we are unworthy of the least of 
all Thy mercies. We sin against Thee daily. 
Give us also daily repentance for our sins. Make 
us duly sensible of the evil and danger of them, 
and let the blood of Christ Thy Son cleanse us 
from them. Grant that we may this night lie 
down at peace with God, and let our souls re- 
pose in Thee as their rest. We commit our- 
selves to Thy care. May we dwell in the se- 
cret place of the Most High, and abide under 
the shadow of the Almighty. Eefresh our 
bodies with rest, undisturbed with distracting 
cares, or disquieting fears. But, especially, let 
our souls be refreshed with Thy love, and the 



52 FAMIL Y PBA YERS. 

light of Thj countenance. For Thy loving- 
kindness is better than life. 

Kestore us to another day in safety. Pre- 
pare us for its duties and events. Enable us to 
glorify Thee, both with our bodies and with our 
spirits, which are Thine. As every day brings 
us nearer our end, Lord, teach us so to number 
our days, that we may apply our hearts to wis- 
dom. Prepare us for whatever is appointed for 
us in life. Do us good by all Thy providences, 
whether comfortable or afflictive. Help us to 
accommodate ourselves to them, and by means 
of them all, bring us nearer to Thyself, and fit 
us for the enjoyment of Thee in a better world. 

Let our family be blessed in Him, in whom 
all the nations of the earth are blessed. Give 
us health and prosperity, and all needful tem- 
poral blessings. But, especially, let our souls 
prosper and be in health. Let all who belong 
to us, belong to Christ ; that we, who dwell to- 
gether on earth, may be together forever with 
the Lord. * * 

May our country still be the care of Thy 
Providence. Let glory dwell in our land, and 
upon all the glorj^, let there be a defence. Rule 
in the hearts of our rulers, and make them pub- 
lic blessings. May those, who are in places of 



SECOND WEEK. 63 

public trust, be faithful to the public interest ; 
and may those, who bear the sword, be a terror 
to evil doers, and a protection and praise to 
such as do well. 

Own the Christian ministry in their work. 
Give them skill, ability, and zeal to help souls 
to heaven. May the rising generation be such 
as Thou wilt own, and as shall do more and 
better service in their day, than has been done 
in ours. Comfort and relieve all who are in 
poverty and affliction. Teach us to sympathize 
with them, and dispose us to do all we can for 
their relief. And do Thou for us abundantly 
above what we are able to ask or think, through 
Jesus Christ the Lord our righteousness, to 
whom, with the Father and the Eternal Spirit, 
be glory and praise now and forever. Amen. 



Tuesday Morning, 

Glorious Jehovah! Thou hast Thy being of 
Thyself, and Thy happiness in Thyself alone. 
We have our being from Thee, and our happi- 
ness is only in Thee. It is, therefore, both our 
duty and our interest to seek Thee, to implore 
Thy favor, and to give unto Thee the glory due 
to Thy Name. 

5* 



54 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

One day tells another^ and one night certifies 
to another, that Thou art good, and never failest 
those, who seek Thee and trust in Thee. We 
have rested during the past night, and are re- 
freshed; and have a safe and quiet habitation. 
We thankfully own Thy goodness to us, and 
acknowledge ourselves to be less than the least 
of all the mercy and truth Thou hast showed us. 

Above all, we bless Thee for the gifts of Thy 
grace to lost and miserable sinners, in and 
through Thy dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 
We praise Thee, that, having laid down His 
life to make atonement for sin, He rose again 
for our justification, that He might bring in an 
everlasting righteousness. We bless Thee, that 
our eyes see the light, and our ears hear the 
joyful sound of redemption by Him; and for 
that life and immortality brought to light by 
the Gospel. Glory be to God in the highest, 
that there is on earth, peace and good-will 
toward men. Grant us wisdom and grace 
rightly to understand the Gospel, firmly believe 
it, and cheerfully obey it; that so we may be 
savingly interested in the blessings it reveals. 

Through Him, who was made sin for us, 
though He knew no sin, let us sinners be ac- 
cepted as righteous. And as Christ died for 



SECOND WEEK. 55 

our sins, we pray that we may be dying daily 
to them. May we also experience in our souls 
the power and virtue of His resurrection. May 
we rise with Him from the death of sin, to the 
life of righteousness; from the dust of this 
world, to a holy, spiritual, divine, and heavenly 
life. Give us grace, we pray Thee, to live a 
life of communion with Thee, both in provi- 
dences and ordinances, and a life of dependence 
upon Thee, at all times trusting in Thy power, 
providence, and promises, and pouring out our 
hearts before Thee. Enable us, also, to live a 
life of devotedness to Thee, and of complacency 
in Thee. May we set the Lord always before 
us; aim at Thy glory as our highest end, and 
make religion not only our chief business, but 
also our highest pleasure. ^ * 

Bless us, Lord, as a family, with every- 
thing suited to our several circumstances and 
wants. Give us all wisdom to know the duties 
of our several characters and stations, and make 
us faithful in the performance of them. Be 
gracious to all who are related to us, or in any 
wise connected with us. Pity and reheve the 
children of affliction, and be a present help to 
all Thy people in every season of distress. To 
Thy providential care we commit ourselves and 



56 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

each other for the day ensuing. Preserve us 
from every danger, fortify us against every 
temptation, assist us in every duty, and gra- 
ciously accept us in Thy dear Son, to whom, 
with Thee, the Father, and the Eternal Spirit, 
be glory and praise now and forever. Amen. 



Tuesday Evening, 

God, the Infinite and Eternal Spirit! most 
perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness. Though 
mortal eyes cannot behold Thee, nor any cre- 
ated understanding comprehend Thee, Thou art 
ever present with us, and seest the secrets of 
our hearts. All our sins and all our wants are 
known to Thee. But Thou wisely requirest 
our confessions, as the exercise of our repen- 
tance, and our petitions and thanksgivings, as 
the expression of our desires, dependence, and 
gratitude. We confess our unfitness for such 
converse with Thee. Thou, whose mercy 
invites miserable sinners to come unto Thee, 
by the new and living way, meet us not in Thy 
justice, as a consuming fire, but accept us in 
Thy righteous and beloved Son. 

We ought to have served Thee with our 
whole hearts, and to have employed our time. 



SECOND WEEK. 57 

our thoughts, our tongues, and all our powers, 
for Thy glory and the good of men. But, alas! 
we have unprofitably abused Thy talents, and 
done but little good in the world, in comparison 
with what we might have done. 

Deal with us, Lord, not according to our 
deserts, but according to our necessity, and Thy 
great goodness. Where sin has abounded, let 
Thy grace much more abound. Do Thou not 
only take away our guilt through the merits of 
Thy dear Son, but also renew and sanctify us 
by Thy Spirit. Take from us the heart of 
stone, and give us hearts of flesh. Impart to 
us a divine and heavenly nature, and trans- 
form us into the image of Thy holiness. Ena- 
ble us to devote ourselves, and all Thou givest 
us, entirely to Thee as Thine own. Bring all 
the powers of our souls and bodies into a full 
subjection to Thy government. 

Keep us, we beseech Thee, from every thing 
in our words and actions, by which we should 
dishonor Thy name and grieve Thy Spirit. 
Quicken and animate us in every duty, whether 
personal, relative, or divine. And help us to 
spend this transitory life in a diligent prepara- 
tion for death and eternity. May our hearts 
and our conversation ever be in heaven ! 



68 FAMIL Y PEA YERS, 

Set up Thy glory, Lord, above the heavens, 
and let Thy name be sanctified in all the earth. 
Convert the infidel and heathen world to the 
faith of Thy Son. . Give wise and upright rulers 
to the nations ; and let the Gospel of Jesus 
Christ go forth as the sun, to enlighten the 
whole world. Bless, especially, these United 
States. Make our rulers faithful to their trust, 
that they may seek the true prosperity of their 
country. Teach Thou our teachers. Give all 
Thy churches faithful and able pastors, and 
abundantly succeed their labors, that their 
hearers may be fruitful in knowledge and holi- 
ness, peace and charity. * * 

Bless all the members of this family, together 
with all who are near and dear to us, both in 
body and soul; and help us to serve each other 
in love. We thankfully acknowledge Thy 
fatherly goodness manifested to us this day. 
Be pleased to continue it through the night 
watches. Give us such rest of body and mind, 
as may fit us for the duties and events of the 
coming day; and prepare us for finally entering 
into Thine everlasting kingdom. We ask all 
in the name of Jesus Christ, our only Saviour 
and Mediator. Amen. 



SECOND WEEK. 69 

Wednesday Morning. 

Thou, Lord, art the great fountain of be- 
ing and happiness. As from Thee our beings 
were derived, so from Thee our happiness di- 
rectly flows. The nearer we are to Thee, the 
more pure and delicious is the stream. With 
Thee is the fountain of life ; in thy light may 
we see light. The great object of our final 
hope is to dwell with Thee forever. Oh give us 
some foretaste of that delight. Grant us, we be- 
seech Thee, the blessedness of the man, who 
feareth the Lord, and delighteth greatly in His 
commands. So form our hearts by Thy grace, 
that, from day to day, we may set Thee, Lord, 
before us, and be in Thy fear all the day long. 

With hearts filled with gratitude, would we, 
this morning, praise Thee for past mercies, and, 
in the exercise of a lively faith, would we im- 
plore fresh blessings, which every returning day 
requires. We desire, with cheerfulness, daily 
to renew the dedication of ourselves to Thee, 
through Jesus Thy beloved Son ; and with at- 
tention and pleasure to read and hearken to 
the instructions of Thy Holy Word, that we 
may know what Thou wouldst have us to do. 
Enable us to hide Thy word in our hearts, that 



60 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

we may not sin against Thee, and earnestly to 
seek fresh supplies of Thy blessed Spirit, whose 
influences are the life of our souls, that we may 
be quickened in all the duties it enjoins. 

Thus prepared, do Thou, Lord, lead us forth 
to all the duties and events of the day. In the 
calling to which Thou hast directed us, may we 
abide with Thee ; not being slothful in busi- 
ness, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. 
Teach us the value of time, and enable us al- 
ways to improve it to the best advantage, in 
such duties as Thou hast assigned us. To Thy 
glory, Lord, may the labors of life be ]3ursued, 
and to Thy glory may the refreshments of it be 
sought and enjoyed. Whether we eat or drink, 
or whatever we do, may that end be still kept 
in view, and may it be attained. May every 
refreshment and release from business prepare 
us to serve Thee with greater vigor and resolu- 
tion. * * ^ 

Help us, Lord, to spend this day, and every 
day of our lives, in the view of our last, and so 
as to fit us for it. If death comes by a slow 
advance, may it at length find us still thus 
employed. And if we should be called sud- 
denly to exchange worlds, may our last days 
and hours be so spent, as to furnish no occasion 



SECOND WEEK. 61 

for remorse or fear. Whenever, however, we 
are called from this state of trial, may we have 
a sweet and easy passage from the services of 
time, to the infinitely nobler services of an im- 
mortal state. We ask it through Him, who, 
while on earth, was the fairest pattern of every 
virtue, and who now lives and reigns with 
Thee, able to save to the uttermost. To Him, 
having done all, we would fly, with the most 
humble acknowledgment, that we are unprofi- 
table servants. And unto Him, with the Fa- 
ther and the Spirit, be glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Wednesday Evening, 

Blessed God, we humbly adore Thee as the 
Father of lights, and the Giver of every good 
and perfect gift. From Thee we seek every 
blessing, and especially those which may lead 
us to Thyself, and prepare us for the enjoyment 
of Thee. 

May we, Lord, be renewed in the spirit of 
our minds. A new heart do Thou give us, and 
a right spirit do Thou put within us. Make us 
partakers of a divine nature; and as Thou who 
hast called us art holy, may we be holy in all 
manner of conversation. May the same mind 
6 



62 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus, and 
may we walk even as He walked. Deliver us 
from being earn ally -minded, which is death, 
and make us spiritually-minded, since that is 
life and peace. While we pass through this 
world of sense, enable us to walk by faith and 
not by sight ; yea, may we be strong in faith, 
giving glory to God. 

Help us to mortify our members which are 
in the earth, so that we may be willing to part 
with the lusts that are as dear to us as a right 
hand or eye. May we be temperate in all 
things, content with such things as we have, 
and instructed to be so, in whatever state we 
are. May patience also have its perfect work 
in us, that we may be, in that respect, perfect 
and entire, wanting nothing. 

Form us, Lord, we beseech Thee, to a pro- 
per temper towards our fellow-creatures. May 
we love our neighbor as ourselves, and whatso- 
ever we would that others should do unto us, 
may we also do the same unto them. May we 
put on meekness under the greatest provoca- 
tions; and, if it be possible, as much as lieth in 
us, may we live peaceably with all men. May 
we be merciful as our Father in heaven is mer- 
ciful. May we ever speak the truth from our 



SECOND WEEK, 63 

hearts, and speak it in love; guarding against 
every instance of a censorious and malignant 
disposition; and taking care not to judge se- 
verely, as we would not be judged, which Thou, 
Lord, knowest, and our own consciences know, 
we should not be able to support. 

Make us ever attentive to the duties' incum- 
bent upon us, as members of civil society, and 
of the Church of Christ, that we may give no 
offence. Enable us to conduct ourselves wisely 
and well, as members of a Christian family. 
May the heads of the family walk before their 
house in a perfect way, commanding all their 
household after them to keep the ways of the 
Lord. [May the children of the family obey 
their parents in the Lord, love one another, 
and remember Thee, their Creator, now in the 
days of their youth.] 

Thus may the blessing of God, the Father 
and Lord of all, rest continually upon us for 
good. Thus may the image of our dear Ee- 
deemer shine bright in our characters; and thus 
may we be formed to a growing meetness for 
that world where He dwells, and where we shall 
be completely like Him, because we shall see 
Him as He is. * * 

We ask all in His name, who hath loved us, 



64 FAMIL Y PRA YER8. 

and given Himself for us, that He might redeem 
us unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of 
good works, unto whom, with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, be ascribed glory and honor, 
salvation and praise, now and forever. Amen. 



TJiursday Morning, 

Almighty, all-seeing, and most gracious God ! 
who hast created us and all things for Thy 
glory. We sinful worms of the earth, encou- 
raged by Thine own command and promise, 
and by the mediation of Thine own Son, do 
humbly cast ourselves down before Thee, to 
acknowledge Thy mercies, confess our sins, 
supplicate Thy favor, and tender Thee our 
service. 

We thank Thee, that Thou hast made us 
reasonable creatures. Oh form our souls to 
know, and love, and serve Thee on earth, and 
to enjoy everlasting happiness in Thy glory 
above. We bless Thee, that we, who were con- 
ceived in sin, and who, in our fleshly state, were 
enemies to Thee by wicked works, were not 
left, like the fallen angels, to helpless despair ; 
but that we have an all-sufficient Saviour given 
us by Thy love, who hath redeemed us by His 



SECOND WEEK. - 65 

blood and conferred a free pardon and title to 
life upon all, who heartily accept Him as their 
Lord and Saviour. 

We praise Thee for His blessed Gospel ; for 
His spotless example, and for His Holy Spirit 
promised to all true believers. We thank Thee 
for our birth and education, our health and 
friends, our peace and liberty, and for all the 
comforts of this life. We thank Thee for our 
public instructions and private helps; for the 
comforts of Thy worship, and all the means of 
salvation. But especially would we bless Thee, 
if Thou hast blessed any of them for our good. 
Adored be Thy name, that Thou didst not give 
us over to the blindness of our own minds, the 
hardness of our hearts, and the dominion of our 
fleshly wills and desires. 

Give us Thy Spirit to lead us to repentance 
for sin, to sanctify our natures, and to fill us 
with holy love, that our whole desire may be to 
Thee, and our whole heart delight in Thee. 
Eegulate our thoughts, words and actions by 
Thy word ; and govern our appetites and pas- 
sions by Thy grace, that they may not hinder, 
but further us in Thy service. 

Teach us to behave aright in our several sta- 
tions, whether as superiors, inferiors, or equals, 

6* 



GQ FAMIL Y PRA YEBS. 

that we may have comfort, and be useful in 
them. Mercifully dispose of our persons, our 
friends, and all our affairs for the best. Protect 
and provide for our bodies. Make us contented 
with our daily bread, and patient if we should 
suffer want. * * 

Be merciful, God, to all the afflicted. Give 
such seasonable deliverance to the sick, the op- 
pressed, and broken-hearted, as shall be most 
for their good, for that of others, and for Thy 
glory. Continue Thy Gospel to Thy churches. 
Furnish them with skillful, holy, and diligent 
pastors, and bless the labors of such to the in- 
crease of holiness, love, and peace. Bless all in 
authority. Teach them to govern, and us to 
obey, as the subjects of the King of kings. De- 
liver deceived and oppressed nations, especially 
those professing Christianity, from tyranny and 
error. Subdue the powers that rebel against 
Thee, and let the kingdoms of the world, be- 
come the kingdoms of Christ. Open a way for 
the Gospel to them. Send them teachers fitted 
for so great a work, and crown their labors with 
success, that thus Thy name may be hallowed, 
Thy kingdom may come, and Thy will be done 
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 
our daily bread, &c. 



SECOND WEEK. 67 

Tliursday Evening, 

Once more, most gracious God and Father! 
do we come unto Thee at Thy call, to worship 
at Thy footstool. Behold us in Thy tender 
mercies, and let the words of our mouths and 
the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in 
Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

We confess, we are vile and miserable sin- 
ners. We have all gone astray from Thee, 
every one in his own way. Instead of living 
wholly to Thy glory, and obeying Thy will in 
all things, we have sought to please ourselves, 
minding the things of the flesh, and making 
provision for the lusts thereof. 

Have mercy upon us, God ! pardon our ini- 
quities, and heal all our diseases. Grant us re- 
pentance unto life. Enlighten our understand- 
ings, to know the wonderful things of Thy law, 
and the riches of Thy grace in Jesus Christ. 
Pat Thy fear and Thy love in our hearts, that 
we may never depart from Thee. 

Teach us to live by faith, and thus to live 
above the world, while we are in it, and to use 
the world as not abusing it. Make us zealous 
of good works; taking up our cross, and fol- 
lowing Christ Jesus our Lord, that, having suf- 



68 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

fered with Him, we may also be glorified with 
Him. 

By Thy gracious hand, Lord, rule and pro- 
tect the land in which we dwell. Bless our 
president, and the governors of the several 
States. Enrich them with Thy heavenly grace, 
and make them blessings in their generations. 
Grant unto the great council of the nation, the 
judges and all the magistrates of the land, that 
wisdom which is from above, that they may 
rule in Thy fear and judge righteously. 

Give all the churches able, holy, and faithful 
pastors, who may honestly and diligently preach 
Thy word, and guide Thy flock in the way of 
Thy truth, holiness, and peace. Bless our land 
with the fruits of the earth in their season. 
Preserve us from sickness, from the mischievous 
contrivances of the wicked, from civil discord 
and every other evil. Show pity to the af- 
flicted, and sanctify Thy fatherly chastisements. 
Be a friend to all our friends, and hel]3 them 
and us to perform all the mutual oflices of friend- 
ship. M.ay all the members of our family be 
members of Christ, and finally dwell together 
in Thy kingdom. * * 

Accept, most gracious God, our thanks- 
giving, for that goodness which has protected 



SECOND WEEK, 69 

US, and provided for us during the past day. 
Give us such a deep sense of Thy manifold mer- 
cies, as shall awaken our gratitude, constrain 
us to better obedience, and encourage our con- 
stant trust in Thy providence and grace. May 
goodness and mercy still follow us all our days. 
We commit ourselves afresh to Thee, and beg 
Thy care over us through the watches of this 
night, that no evil may come nigh our persons 
or our dwelling. Hear, Lord, we beseech 
Thee, these, our prayers, through the merits 
and intercession of Jesus Christ our only Lord 
and Saviour. Amen. 



Friday Mcnming, 

Blessed and glorious God! Thou art the 
King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise 
God, of whom, through whom, and to whom 
are all things ; the Father of mercies, and the 
God of all grace. We bless Thee, that Thou 
hast made us after Thine own image, but a lit- 
tle lower than the angels, and crowned us with 
glory and with honor; that Thou hast taught 
us more than the beasts of the field, and made 
us wiser than the fowls of the air. Help us to 
worship and serve Thee, the Lord our Maker. 



70 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

May all those powers, by which Thou hast dis- 
tinguished us from the rest of Thy creatures, be 
devoted to Thy service and employed for Thine 
honor. 

Make us more thankful for all Thy mercies, 
and help us not only to speak, but to live 
Thy praise. We lament our past ingratitude. 
What unsuitable returns have we made for that 
goodness of Thine, which has followed us all 
our days ! We earnestly implore Thy pardon- 
ing mercy, through the great Mediator, and 
pray Thee to bestow upon us Thy quickening 
influence, that we may love Thee more and 
serve Thee better. Grant us continued supplies 
of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, that we may give 
all diligence to add to our faith virtue, know- 
ledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly 
kindness, and charity. May these things not 
only be in us, but abound, that we may not be 
unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Help us to put on the whole armor of God, 
that we may stand against the wiles of the 
devil, and withstand in the evil day. Keep us 
from the evil of the world, and give us that 
faith which will overcome it. Help us to walk 
in all the statutes and ordinances of the Lord 
blameless. Enable us daily to consider our 



SECOND WEEK. 71 

latter end, and diligently to prepare for death 
and eternity. Let us not presume upon long 
life, or talk of goods laid up for many years, 
since we know not how soon our souls may be 
required of us. Lord, so teach us to number 
our days, that we may apply our hearts unto 
wisdom. Whatsoever our hand findeth to do, 
may we do it with all our might, since there is 
no work, nor knowledge, nor device in the 
grave, whither we are going. *^ * 

And now, Lord, what wait we for? Our hope 
is in Thee. Let Thine ears be open unto the 
supplications of Thy servants. Accept our ac- 
knowledgments for the mercies of the past 
night. Take care of us through this day. Fit 
us for the duties and trials of every day, and 
prepare us for our last. We beg all this in the 
name, and through the mediation of the Lord 
Jesus, who has taught us to pray after this 
manner : 

Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed 
be Thy name, &c. 



72 FAMIL Y PRA YEBS. 

Friday Evening. 

Thou, whose name alone is Jehovah ! 
the most high God over all the earth; we come 
before Thee, this evening, to seek Thy favor and 
implore Thy blessing. Look down upon us in 
mercy. Let Thy Spirit help our infirmities. 
Give ear unto our voice, Lord, and consider 
our meditation. 

We confess, we are utterly unworthy of the 
least of Thy mercies. We are vile. What 
shall we answer Thee ? We have no merit to 
plead; but cast ourselves upon Thy sovereign 
mercy in the Redeemer. Let us experience the 
bounty and compassion of Thy nature. We 
plead the blood of atonement. We have sinned, 
but Christ has died. Oh justify us freely 
through the redemption that is in Him ! 

Do Thou heal and sanctify our nature. Help 
us to put off the old man, which is corrupt; 
and to put on the new man, which, after God 
is created in righteousness and true holiness. 
Enlighten our minds, and grant us the spirit 
of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of 
Christ. Subdue our wills, cast down lofty ima- 
ginations, and bring every thought in subjection 
to Christ. Help us to set our affections on 



SECOND WEEK. 73 

things above, where Christ sitteth at the right 
hand of God. And may the God of peace sanc- 
tify us wholly, and grant that our whole spirit, 
soul and body, may be preserved blameless un- 
til the coming of Christ. 

Shower down, Lord, Thy blessings upon the 
inhabitants of the world. Give Thy Son, the 
heathen for His inheritance, and the uttermost 
parts of the earth for His possession. Be favor- 
able to the land in which we dwell. Let Thy 
providence be our defence, and Thy presence, 
our glory. 

Bless the ministers of Thy word. Make them 
faithful and successful. Be with those especial- 
ly under whose ministry we are placed. Enable 
them to speak the things which become sound 
doctrine. Help us to profit by their endeavors, 
and grant that we may be their joy and crown 
in the presence of Christ at His coming. 

May Thy blessing rest on this family, and 
Thy light shine on our tabernacle. [May the 
heads of the family be zealous in their en- 
deavors for the good of those committed to their 
care. May the children of the family be their 
rejoicing, by walking in Thy truth. Help them 
to flee youthful lusts, and to remember Thee, 
their Creator.] 
7 



74 FAMIL Y PR A YERS. 

Bless all our relatives, friends, and acquaint- 
ances. Graciously pity the afflicted; succor 
the tempted; provide for the poor; and be a 
present help to all in time of trouble. * * 

We bless Thee for the mercies of this day. 
Pardon the sins of it. Take us under Thy 
protection this night, and in the morning, raise 
us again to hear the voice of health and glad- 
ness. We ask all in the name of our adorable 
Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 



Saturday Morning, 

Lord our God, unto Thee would we lift up 
our souls. Quicken us to call upon Thy name. 
Assist us by Thy Spirit in our access to Thy 
mercy-seat, and raise our hearts to Thyself 
Teach us to approach Thee, as becometh crea- 
tures, and do Thou draw nigh unto us as a God 
of grace. 

We confess we are sinners, and as such un- 
worthy of Thy favor and love. Take away the 
guilt of our sins, through the atonement of Thy 
Son. Justify our persons through His right- 
eousness, and subdue the power of our iniqui- 
ties by Thy Spirit. Form our hearts according 
to Thy will, and after the image of Thy Son. 



SECOND WEEK, 75 

Be Thou our light and our strength, and quicken 
us in the paths of holy obedience. 

Preserve the Gospel among us, and let all the 
means of grace be continued, and made to sub- 
serve the great ends of their appointment. Let 
all Thy providences be sanctified to us. May 
Thy mercies, as cords of love, draw us nearer to 
Thyself; and let the strokes of Thine afflicting 
hand wean us from sin, mortify us to this 
world, and make us ready for our departure 
hence, whensoever Thou art pleased to call us. 
Guide us by Thy counsel, and secure us by Thy 
grace in all our travels through this dangerous 
wilderness ; and at last, give us the victory 
over death, and a triumphant entrance into the 
kingdom of Thy glory. 

While here in the body, give such things as 
are necessary to support our lives and make 
them easy and comfortable. Let our health, 
our strength, our peace be maintained, and let 
holiness to the Lord be inscribed upon them all, 
that whatever we receive from Thy hands may 
be improved to Thine honor and our truest 
advantage. 

We pray Thee to enlarge the borders of Thy 
Son's kingdom. Spread the Gospel among the 
heathen, and make the name of Christ glorious 



76 FAMIL Y PBA YERS, 

from the rising to the setting sun. Bring the 
remainder of Thine ancient people the Jews, 
with the fulness of the Gentiles, into Thy 
Church. Furnish a more abundant measure of 
Thy Spirit to carry on Thine own work upon 
earth. May His influences be diffused in plen- 
tiful degrees upon Churches, upon ministers, 
upon families, and upon all the saints. Deliver 
those who suffer from persecuting powers. 
Restrain the wrath of man, and cause it to 
praise Thee. 

We pray for the nation to which we belong. 
May liberty and peace be established and flour- 
ish in it. Bless our rulers, supreme and subor- 
dinate. May they, with wisdom and faithfulness, 
manage the affairs with which Thou hast en- 
trusted them. We pray for our friends and 
relatives. Deliver them from all the evils they 
feel or fear, and bestow upon them all the good 
we wish for ourselves, here or hereafter. * * 

We give Thee humble and hearty thanks for 
all Thy mercies vouchsafed to mankind in gen- 
eral, and to ourselves in particular; especially 
for the safety and refreshment of the past night. 
May the same good providence defend us 
through the hours of this day, and may Thy 
grace assist us in all the duties of it. Hear 



SECOND WEEK. 77 

and answer us, pardon^ accept, and bless us, 
for Thy mercy's sake in Jesus Christ, through 
whom, by one Spirit, be ascribed to the only 
living and true God, everlasting praises. Amen. 



Saturday Evening, 

Most high and most holy God ! we, who are 
but dust and ashes, would take upon us to speak 
to Thy sacred majesty. Wilt Thou pardon our 
un worthiness and help our infirmities. Hearken 
to the voice of our cry, our King and our God, 
unto whom we would pray. 

With gratitude and, joy, we acknowledge Thy 
relation to us, as our Creator, our Redeemer, 
our King, our Almighty Friend, our reconciled 
God and Father in Jesus Christ. 

We praise Thee for the Gospel which Thou 
hast published to the world, the Gospel of par- 
don and of peace; and that Thou hast caused 
its glad tidings to be proclaimed in our age and 
nation. We rejoice that we were born in a 
land of light in which Thou hast built habita- 
tions for Thyself, wherein we enjoy the privi- 
lege of attending Thy solemn worship, of be- 
holding Thy glory and Thy grace, and of being 
instructed in the way of salvation. 

7* 



78 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

Thanks be to Thy name, that we thus, not 
only enjoy many of the conveniences and com- 
forts of this Ufe, but also have the means of 
grace and salvation near unto us. Thou art 
inviting us to look unto Jesus and be saved, and 
to the calls of Thy word and providence, Thou 
art pleased ia add the calls of Thy Spirit in our 
hearts. 

May Thy goodness effectually lead us to re- 
pentance, and Thy long-suffering eventuate in 
our salvation! God forbid, that our distin- 
guished privileges should finally prove distin- 
guished aggravations of our guilt and misery. 
May we be induced, by the mercies of the Lord, 
to present our bodies and souls living sacrifices, 
holy and acceptable in Thy sight, through Jesus 
Christ, which is our most reasonable service. 
Under a sense of Thy past goodness in general, 
and especially on a review of the mercies of the 
past day and week, we desire, our heavenly 
Father, to dedicate ourselves afresh to Thee. 
"We are not our own, but Thine. May we be 
entirely devoted to Thy service, and enabled to 
glorify Thee, both with our bodies and our 
spirits, which are Thine. * ^ 

Guard us against harm and danger during 
the silent hours of the night. Prepare us all 



SECOND WEEK. 79 

for the services of Thy house on the ensuing 
day, and render them pleasant and profitable 
to us, and to our fellow-worshipers. Assist all 
Thy ministers in leading the worship of Thy 
sanctuary, and in delivering the truths of the 
everlasting Gospel; and command Thy blessing 
out of Zion, even life for evermore. Grant, that 
the glad tidings of the Gospel which we hear, 
may be proclaimed through the whole earth, so 
that all flesh may know the salvation of the 
Lord. Accept, Lord ! these, our prayers, and 
solemn vows, through the worthy name of Thy 
dear Son, to whom, as the Lamb that was slain, 
to redeem us unto God by His blood, be glory 
and dominion forever. Amen. 



THIRD WEEK. 

Sunday Morning. 

Most glorious God and merciful Father, in 
our Lord Jesus Christ! We beseech Thee to 
look with pity upon us, Thy unworthy crea- 
tures, who are this morning of Thine own day, 
drawing near Thy throne of grace. 

We bless Thee, that Thou hast preserved us 
from all dangers through the past week, and 
the past night; that Thou hast lengthened out 
our time, and art now giving us another Sab- 
bath; a new opportunity to repent, and make 
our calling and election sure. As Thou hast 
awakened our bodies from sleep, so awaken our 
souls from sin and spiritual slothfulness. As 
Thou hast caused the light of this day to shine 
upon our bodies, cause the light of Thy word 
and Spirit to illuminate our dark minds. And 
as Thou addest new days and new Sabbaths to 
our lives, add new grace and strength to our 
souls, that we may serve Thee acceptably there- 
in. 

Help us to remember, that every Sabbath, 
every sermon, every prayer^ sets us a step near- 
er either to heaven or hell. Under this awful 
80 



THIRD WEEK. 81 

consideration, may we be engaged to work out 
our salvation with fear and trembling. 

In all the services of this day, keep us, we 
pray Thee, from drowsiness, wandering, and 
weariness. Banish all vain and worldly imagi- 
nations far from us. Deliver us from hypocrisy 
in our approaches to Thee. Let us not draw 
nigh unto Thee with our lips, while our hearts 
are far from Thee; but give us grace so to ask, 
that we may receive; so to seek, that we may 
find; so to knock, that it may be opened unto 
us. 

Bless Thy word, which shall this day be pro- 
claimed in accordance with Thy will. May 
the ministers of the everlasting Gospel prove 
true to their important trust, and be instrumen- 
tal in accomplishing much good. * * 

Have mercy, Lord, upon a world that lieth 
in wickedness. For Thy name's sake ride forth 
in the chariot of the everlasting Gospel. Take 
unto Thyself Thy glorious conquering power, 
and in Thy majesty ride prosperously. Make 
the arrows of Thy word sharp in the hearts of 
Thine enemies, whereby the people may fall 
under Thee. Cause a gale of heavenly wind 
this day to blow, that the dry bones may be 
enlivened, and many dead souls quickened. 



82 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

And grant, that the fiiith of Thy people may be 
strengthened, their desires quickened, and their 
love inflamed. May Thy churches revive as 
the corn, and grow as the lily, and shoot forth 
their branches as Lebanon. May Thy people 
ran in the way of Thy commandments with en- 
larged hearts. Let Thy kingdom come, and 
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 
We beg all this for Christ's sake, to whom with 
the Father and Holy Spirit, be everlasting glory 
and praise. Amen. 

Sunday Evening. 

Most holy and glorious God ! Who is like 
unto Thee? Thou art clothed with honor and 
majesty, and coverest Thyself with light as 
with a garment. Thou only hast immortality, 
and dwellest in a light, unto which no man can 
approach. Yet Thou art a God that hearest 
prayer, and art ready to forgive; yea, plenteous 
in mercy unto all who call upon Thee. Quicken 
us this evening of Thine own holy day, in call- 
ing upon Thy name, and graciously attend unto 
the voice of our supplications. 

We acknowledge, we have forfeited Thy 
favor and deserved Thy wrath. We have left 



THIRD WEEK, 83 

undone the things which we ought to have done, 
and have done the things which we ought not 
to have done. Our own consciences witness 
against us, and out of our own mouths Thou 
mightest justly condemn us. But blessed be 
Thy name, Thou hast provided a way for our 
pardon and reconciliation in Jesus Christ. 
Wash away our sins in His blood. May we 
fly to His cross as our security, and to His words 
as our refuge; renouncing all confidence in any- 
thing besides Him, who is the Lord our right- 
eousness. 

May we accept of Him, not only as our High- 
priest to atone for us ; but also as our King, to 
reign in and rule over us, all the days of our 
lives. Do Thou so incline our wills and ani- 
mate our souls, by Thy Holy Spirit, that we 
may never count Thy commandments grievous; 
but may esteem it our highest pleasure and 
dignity, as well as our greatest duty, to serve 
and obey Thee. Convince us of the evil and 
filthiness of sin, that we may loathe and shun 
it as deadly poison. Cherish and preserve any 
convictions of this sort, which Thou hast this 
day wrought in us. Make us doers of Thy word, 
and not hearers only, deceiving our own souls. 
Let Thy word be a light to our feet, and a lamp 



84 FAMIL Y PEA YERS. 

to our path, that our conversation may be as 
becometh the Gospel, and our light so shine 
before men, that others, seeing our good works, 
may glorify Thee our heavenly Father. 

Cause the saving knowledge of Christ to 
cover the earth, and let His name be great from 
the rising of the sun, to the going down thereof. 
Convince the Jews that Shiloh is come, and 
that Jesus, whom they crucified, is the true 
Messiah. Lord, appear in behalf of Thine own 
Church. Never let the gates of hell prevail 
against Thy Zion. Let the time to favor her 
come. Peace be within her walls, and pros- 
perity within her palaces, and let them prosper 
that love her. Bless these United States. Make 
our rulers public blessings, both in our civil 
and sacred concerns. Frustrate the designs of 
those, who are enemies to Thy cause. Counte- 
nance the ministers of Thy word, and water the 
seed they sow with the dews of heaven, that 
they may bring a large harvest to Christ. * * 

Bless all the members of this family. Let 
this be one of the tabernacles of the righteous, 
in which the voice of rejoicing and salvation 
is heard. Enable us all, faithfully to discharge 
the duties of our several stations. Make us 
blessings to each other and to all around us. 



THIRD WEEK. 85 

Accept our daily sacrifices of prayer and praise, 
and permit us all at last to celebrate an eternal 
Sabbath with Thee in heaven. All this we ask 
for the sake and merit of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ, who, with Thee, and the Holy 
Spirit, is over all, God blessed for evermore. 
Amen. 

Monday Morning, 

Infinitely great and glorious God ! we, poor 
worms of the dust, encouraged by Thy conde- 
scending goodness; by the promises of Thy 
grace, and the mediation of Thy Son, have 
taken upon us to speak to Thy majesty. May 
our hearts be duly prepared to come into Thy 
sacred presence ! Let Thy good Spirit help our 
infirmities. 

We thank Thee, this morning, for all the 
comforts of social life, with which Thou hast 
been pleased to favor us. Especially would we 
bless Thee, for the continuance of our family- 
mercies. Thanks be to Thy name, that Thou 
hast kept us from the terrors of tha past night; 
from the malice of evil men; from the devour- 
ing flames, and from every calamity ; and that 
Thou hast caused us again to hear Thy loving- 
kindness in the morning. 



SQ. FAMILY PRAYEB8, 

Keep us this day, in Thy fear, and let Thy 
Holy Spirit be our guide and counsellor in all 
our ways. Preserve us at all times, in all 
places, and in all companies, from the evil of 
sin; and enable us to demean ourselves as be- 
cometh the children of God, the redeemed of 
the Lord, and the followers of Jesus Christ. 
Implant and cherish such principles in our 
hearts, as shall cause us to have a sincere re- 
spect unto all Thy commandments, and to hate 
every false way. As another Sabbath is now 
past, and we are entering upon the common 
days of the week, may we not forget our Sab- 
bath work and enjoyments. Oh that Thy word 
may make lasting impressions upon us, and 
that our Sabbath day's frame may remain with 
us, when we are employed in our common busi- 
ness, that so we may expect the better to pros- 
per in it, and to be rendered fitter for the next 
Sabbath, if it please Thee to spare us to it. 
And grant, that, as we go from one sacred day 
to another, we may go from strength to strength, 
until we all appear before Thee, in the heaven- 
ly Zion. 

May we love the Lord our God with all our 
hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves. Let us 
not seek our own things, but the things that 



THIRD WEEK, 87 

are Jesus Christ's. May it be our concern to 
be useful in our day, and do Thou enable us 
to improve the talents with which Thou hast 
entrusted us, for the truest advantage of all 
with whom we have to do. May goodness and 
mercy follow us this day, and^ all our days. 
Preserve our going out and coming in. Bless 
and prosper us in all our lawful undertakings. 
Suffer us to take nothing in hand except it be 
according to Thy will, and for Thy glory. Be 
Thou our guide through life, our comfort in 
death, and our eternal portion beyond it. * * 

Hear us from heaven. Thy dwelling-place, 
and when Thou hearest, have mercy, and for- 
give the sins of our persons, and the imperfec- 
tions of our prayers; and do exceeding abun- 
dantly above what we are worthy to expect, or 
able to ask, for His sake, who alone is worthy, 
Thy beloved Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
to whom, with Thee, Father, and the Holy 
Spirit, be endless praise. Amen. 



88 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

Monday Evening. 

Lord, the high and lofty One, who in- 
habitest eternity, and whose name is holy! 
When we consider the awful glories of Thy 
nature, we mean and sinful creatures have 
cause exceedingly to fear and tremble on appear- 
ing in Thy presence. But when we think of 
Thy encouraging promises, and the discoveries 
of Thy mercy, our drooping spirits are revived. 
Thou hast said, that though Thou dwellest in 
the high and holy place, Thou wilt also dwell 
with him, who is of an humble and contrite 
spirit; that the needy shall not be forgotten, 
and the expectation of the poor shall not perish. 
Lord, remember Thy word unto Thy servants, 
upon which Thou hast caused us to hope. 
Promote in us that contrition and brokenness 
of heart, in which Thou dost delight, and be 
graciously pleased to take up Thine abode with 
us. Dwell in our house, and in our hearts, and 
manifest to us the tokens of Thy favor and 
presence. 

Thou hast already done great things for us, 
of which we are glad. We would this evening 
call upon our souls, and upon one another, to 
bless the name of the Lord. Blessed be God, 



THIBD WEEK. 89 

who daily loadeth us with His benefits. Thou 
preservest us in going out and coming in. Thou 
spreadest our table and makest our cup to run 
over. 

Pardon whatsoever Thou hast seen amiss in 
us through the past day. Continue Thy care 
and protection over us this night. Favor us 
with refreshing sleep, and prepare us for the 
duties and events of the coming day. 

"Watch over this family continually, and send 
down such blessings upon it, as Thou didst on 
the house of Obed-Edom for the ark's sake. 
Banish sin from among us. Implant Thy fear 
in the hearts of all. Let us dwell together in 
unity, and do Thou command Thy blessing 
upon us, even life for evermore. Extend the 
hand of Thy power and mercy to the utmost 
corners of the earth, and to them that are afar 
off upon the seas. Let such as sit in darkness 
and the shadow of death, see Thy light and 
Thy truth, and hear the joy of Thy salva- 
tion. * * 

Be merciful to our country. May our magis- 
trates fear God and hate evil. May those, who 
minister in holy things, be blessed with skill- 
ful heads, compassionate hearts, and exemplary 
lives. Convert the unconverted, and perfect 



90 FAMIL Y PBA YERS. 

the good work where it is begun. Enlighten 
the ignorant; awaken the secure; convince the 
erroneous; reclaim the vicious; establish the 
unsettled; comfort the dejected; and visit the 
sick and afflicted. Bless all our relatives and 
friends; forgive our enemies, and turn their 
hearts. Direct our ways so to please Thee, 
that even our enemies may be at peace with 
us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver 
us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, the 
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 



Tuesday Morning. 

Lord our God, whose we are, and whom 
we are bound to serve ! we acknowledge our de- 
pendence on Thy providence, and desire to give 
Thee the glory that is due unto Thy name, for 
Thy constant care over us, and kindness to us. 
Our voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, 
Lord. In the morning will we direct our praises 
and our prayers unto Thee, and will look up in 
humble expectation of further mercies at Thy 
hands. 

We bless Thee, that Thou hast given us re- 
freshing sleep, and caused our beds to comfort 
us. We have not been buried in the ruins of 



THIRD WEEK, 91 

our habitation. No plague has come nigh our 
dwelling. We will sing aloud of Thy mercy 
Lord, in 'the morning; for Thou hast been our 
defence. Make us sensible of the greatness of 
Thy favors and duly thankful for them. 

Put Thy Spirit within us, and cause us to 
walk in Thy statutes, and keep Thy command- 
ments to do them. Dispose us, Lord, to the 
duties of piety towards Thee; justice and char- 
ity to our neighbors; sobriety and temperance 
towards ourselves. So engage our hearts 
towards Thyself, by the manifold blessings of 
Thine hands, and especially by the gifts of Thy 
grace in a Redeemer, that we may esteem it our 
meat and our drink to do Thy will. 

Continue to us the health and safety, the 
prosperity and comforts, which Thou hast 
hitherto afforded us; and give us hearts to im- 
prove them aright to Thy glory. Fit us for all 
the events that may befall us. Sanctify to us 
our crosses, as well as our comforts, and cause 
both to work together for our good. Make us 
humble in a high estate, contented in a low one, 
and still careful about our souls in all condi- 
tions. 

We depend upon Thee, Lord, for direction 
and success in all our undertakings. Choose 



92 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS, 

our inheritance for us, and dispose of us and all 
that concerns us, to the glory of Thy name. 
Grant us all things needful and convenient for 
our present pilgrimage state. Give us day by 
day our daily bread, and save us at all times 
from distrusting Thy Providence. May we be 
careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer 
and supplication, with thanksgiving, make our 
requests known to God. May we set the Lord 
always before us, and while we live upon Thy 
bounty, may we continually live to Thy praise. 
And do Thou so guide us in all our ways, with 
Thy counsel, that Thou mayest hereafter re- 
ceive us to Thy glory. * * 

And now may the grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and the love of God our heavenly 
Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, 
be with us, and all for whom we ought to pray, 
this day, and for evermore. Amen. 



Tuesday Evening. 

Most great and ever-blessed God! we, the 
creatures of Thy power, desire at this time, 
with all humility, to bow ourselves in Thine 
awful presence. We acknowledge ourselves to 
be sinners, and as such, unworthy of Thy favor. 



THIRD WEEK. 93 

But we come unto Thee, in the name of Thy 
Son Jesus Christ, and implore Thy pardoning 
mercy in and through Him. For His sake, free 
us from the guilt and power of sin, and send 
down Thy Holy Spirit upon our hearts, in a 
rich abundance. May He inspire us with a 
hatred of every thing that is displeasing to Thee, 
and form us to a love of universal goodness, 
and a desire of making continual improvements 
in it. 

While we continue in this present world, give 
us food to eat, and raiment to put on, health of 
body, and cheerfulness of mind, and whatever 
other enjoyments are necessary to make our 
journey through life comfortable. But let us 
not seek our portion on earth. Help us so to 
live from day to day, that should death over- 
take us ever so suddenly, it may not be a terri- 
ble, but a joyful surprise. Support us in our 
last extremities, and help us to honor Thee by 
our dying behavior. Receive our departing 
spirits to the embraces of Thy mercy, and give 
us a triumphant part in the resurrection of the 
just. 

We pray for the advancement of Thy Gospel 
in the world. Let pure religion and undefiled 
before God the Father, increase both at home 



94 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

and abroad. May the ministers of Thy Gospel, 
of every denomination, with united affection, 
ardent zeal, and eminent success, carry on the 
work of the Lord. Spread among Christians 
everywhere, a spirit of forbearance, candor, and 
love. Visit all who are in affliction, whether 
personal or relative, in mind, body, or estate. 
Graciously support them under their sorrows, 
and in Thine own time, send them deliverance. 

Bless us as a family. May we all be faithful 
in the discharge of our duty to Thee, and to 
each other. Let our united and retired devo- 
tions be so performed, as to have the happiest 
influence on our temper and on our lives. * * 

And now, most merciful Father, we desire 
with all our hearts to bless Thy holy name, for 
all Thy goodness to us, and to the whole human 
race. We especially praise Thee for the mer- 
cies of the past day, and humbly commit our- 
selves to Thy protection and favor this night. 
Guard us from all evil, and grant, that, when we 
next assemble together, we may have reason to 
unite our praises for the continuance of Thy 
goodness. May we be perpetually advancing 
in our preparation for that world, where we 
hope to worship Thee, without any of those im- 
perfections which now attend us. All this we 



THIRD WEEK. 95 

ask and hope, through the merits of Thy Son 
Jesus Christ, in whom we have righteousness 
and strength, and in whose name and words we 
would conclude our addresses, saying, 
Our Father, &c. 



Wednesday Morning, 

Thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, the 
Most High God over all the earth! we would 
approach Thee this morning once more as wor- 
shipers. May a sense of Thy greatness, and 
of Thy goodness, deeply impress our minds, 
and influence our thoughts and aflections, as we 
thus present ourselves before Thee. 

We would praise Thee for all our mercies, 
and especially that Thou hast not spared Thine 
own beloved Son, but hast freely delivered Him 
up for us all. We would come in His name, 
and make mention of His righteousness only. 
May we be justified by His death, and saved 
by His life! In whatsoever circumstances we 
may be placed, whether they be prosperous or 
adverse, may we be therewith content. Only 
assure us, that Thou wilt be with us in trouble, 
as well as in prosperity, and that, at the end of 
this vale of tears, we shall enter Immanuel's 



96 FAMIL Y PR A YERS, 

land. Bless our friends and relatives. May 
they be fellow-heirs with us of the grace of life. 
Let our house be the tabernacle of the right- 
eous. May all connected with this family be a 
seed to serve Thee. Forbid that any of us, 
who surround this family altar, should at last 
be of the number of those, amongst whom 
there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnash- 
ing of teeth, when they shall see Abraham, and 
Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God, and 
they themselves shut out. Help us all to re- 
gard our religious oi)portunities as talents, for 
which we must give an account. May we ever 
remember, that our greatest danger results from 
our highest privileges, and fear, lest a promise 
being left us of entering into Thy rest, any of 
us should seem to come short of it. * * 

In the duties of this day, be Thou graciously 
present with us. Preserve us from temptation, 
and from the allurements of the world. De- 
fend us from danger, and prepare us for what- 
ever may be Thy will in regard to us. In all 
circumstances, may we manifest a Christian 
spirit, being kept from anger, and pride, and 
ambition; from envy, hatred, and malice, and 
all uncharitableness. May we be diligent in 
business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 



THIRD WEEK. 97 

rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; con- 
tinuing instant in prayer; distributing to the 
necessity of the saints; given to hospitality. 
May we rejoice with those who do rejoice, and 
weep with those who weep. Help us to pro- 
vide things honest in the sight of all men; and 
live peaceably with all. To the end of our 
lives, may we be the humble and constant fol- 
lowers of Jesus Christ, so that, at last, through 
His merits, we may, with all Thy people, be ad- 
mitted to the joys of Thy kingdom above. 

And to the only wise God, our Saviour, be 
praise and glory everlasting. Amen. 



• Wednesday Evening, 

Thou King of Glory ! we desire to approach 
Thee with reverence and godly fear, and to wor- 
ship Thee in the beauty of holiness. Do Thou 
condescend to visit us in mercy, and bestow 
upon us the grace we need. Thou art the 
fountain of all life and blessedness. Help us to 
seek our happiness only in Thee. May we not 
be of the number of those whose inquiry is, Who 
will show us any good? But may our language 
ever be : Whom have we in heaven but Thee, 
9 



98 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS, 

and there is none upon earth we desire beside 
Thee? 

Thus far, Lord, hast Thou led us on, in our 
journey through life, and we have ever found 
Thee faithful to Thy promises. We have had 
our sorrows; but Thou hast been a present help 
in every time of trouble. We have had our 
fears ; but Thou hast not suffered the enemy to 
triumph over us. We have sometimes been on 
the verge of despair, and ready to regard our- 
selves as cast out of Thy sight; but, we have 
been enabled to look towards Thy holy temple, 
and have found the shadow of death chased 
away by the light of Thy presence. Hitherto, 
Lord, hast Thou helped us! We bless Thy 
holy name for Thy goodness to us. Unto Thee 
will we render praise; for Thou hast delivered 
our souls from death. Wilt Thou not also de- 
liver our feet from falling, that we may walk 
before God, in the light of the living? 

We would remember the intimate relations 
we sustain to others, and, by sympathy, and 
prayer, and praise, make their miseries and 
mercies our own. We would rejoice with those 
that rejoice, and weep with those that weep. 
Provide support and employment for the poor. 
Make the widow's heart to sing for joy; and in 



THIRD WEEK. 99 

Thee may the fatherless find mercy. Visit 
those who are on beds of sickness, and prepare 
them for Thy pleasure. If they shall live, may 
it be to serve Thee. If their sickness shall end 
in death, may it be to triumph in Thy grace. 

Bless our nation. May every department of 
it be under the control of infinite wisdom and 
goodness; and let righteousness and peace be 
the stability of our times. Do good in Thy 
good pleasure unto Zion; build Thou the walls 
of Jerusalem; and may all our Churches, like 
the original disciples, continue steadfastly in 
the Apostles' doctrine, and in fellowship, and 
in breaking of bread, and in prayer. * * 

Protect and refresh us during the night sea- 
son, and cause us to hear Thy loving-kindness 
in the morning; for in Thee do we trust. Make 
us to know the way wherein we should go; for 
we lift up our souls unto Thee. These mercies 
we implore through the intercession of Thy Son, 
and our Saviour. And blessing, and honor, and 
glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon 
the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and 
ever. Amen. 



100 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

TJiursday Morning. 

Almighty and most glorious Jehovah! we 
adore Thee as the God of nature, the God of 
providence, and the God of grace. In compli- 
ance with Thy condescending invitation, we 
come with boldness to the throne of mercy, that 
we may find grace to help in every time of 
need; and would earnestly plead Thine own 
gracious promise, to give Thy Spirit unto them 
who ask Him of Thee. 

Be Thou surety unto Thy servants for good. 
Shed abroad the sanctifying influences of Thy 
grace on our souls, to form us for every duty 
which Thou requirest. Implant every Chris- 
tian grace and virtue deep in our hearts, and 
maintain and strengthen them amidst all as- 
saults both from within and without. 

May we be so joined to Christ Jesus our Lord, 
as to become one spirit with Him, and feel His 
invigorating influences continually bearing us 
on, superior to every temptation, and to every 
corruption; that while the youths shall faint 
and be weary, and the young men utterly fall, 
we may so wait upon the Lord as to renew our 
spiritual strength, to run without weariness, to 
walk without fainting; yea, to fly as on the 



THIRD WEEK. 101 

wings of eagles towards heaven. May we be 
going on continually from one degree of faith 
and love, of holiness and zeal, unto another, 
until we appear perfect before Thee in Zion, to 
drink in immortal vigor and joy from Thee, the 
everlasting fountain of both. 

Whilst we are here, we are surrounded with 
dangers and difficulties. Blessed God, to Thine 
almighty power we flee. Thou that savest 
by Thy right hand them that put their trust in 
Thee, stretch out Thine omnipotent arm to save 
us. We put ourselves under Thy protection. 
Let Thy grace be sufficient for us, and Thy 
strength be made perfect in our weakness. In- 
crease our faith. Encourage our hope, and in- 
spire us with an heroic resolution, in opposing 
every thing, which obstructs us in our way to 
heaven. If sinners entice, let us not consent. 
If they insult, let us not regard it. If they 
threaten, let us not fear. * * 

Keep us, God, this day and at all times, 
by Thy mighty power, and on that may we 
always rely. Never let us think ourselves 
strong enough, to maintain the combat without 
Thee, nor yet imagine ourselves so weak, that 
Thou canst not support us. Wherever Thou 
leadest us, there let us follow, and whatever 

9* 



102 FAMIL Y PEA YEBS. 

station Thou appointest for us, there let us 
labor. In the midst of dangers and discourage- 
ments, may we look unto Jesus, the captain of 
our salvation, the great author and finisher of 
our faith; and may we finally be made more 
than conquerors, through Him who hath loved 
us, and in whom all have righteousness and 
strength, and unto whom be ascribed salvation 
and honor, blessing and praise, now and for- 
ever. Amen. 



Thursday Evening. 

Ever blessed and glorious God! we prostrate 
ourselves this evening before Thy throne, to 
tender Thee the homage which is Thy due; 
and under a sense of our great unworthiness, 
we beg to be accepted through Jesus Christ. 

We bless Thee for the continual care of Thy 
providence over us, by night and by day, and 
for the numberless blessings with which our 
lives are crowned. How precious are Thy 
thoughts unto us, God! If we would count 
them, they are more than can be numbered. 
We particularly praise Thee for the safety and 
comforts of the past day. Under a sense of 
Thy former kindness, we commit ourselves and 



THIRD WEEK, 103 

each other to Thy future care. May we this 
night rest secure under the shadow of Thy 
wings, and let Thy good providence continue 
to be exercised for our protection and comfort. 
Thou great Shepherd of Israel, whose watch- 
ful eye is ever upon them who trust in Thee, 
preserve us lying down and rising up, going 
out and coming in, from this time forth and 
forever. 

We would especially be solicitous for the 
safety and happiness of our souls. In the 
midst of ten thousand snares and dangers, 
from without and from within, permit us to 
look up to Thee as the God of salvation, to 
whom belong the issues from death. Preserve 
us from that pride, which goeth before d^estruc- 
tion, and that lust of ambition, by which so 
many have fallen. Promote in us, that hu- 
mility and lowliness of mind, which so well be- 
come the disciples of the blessed Jesus. May 
we learn of Him, who was meek and lowly in 
heart. Deliver us from covetousness, which is 
idolatry, and that love of the world, which is 
enmity with God. May our desires after 
worldly possessions, and our delight in them, be 
moderated by considering their uncertain and 
unsatisfying nature; and while others are lay- 



104 FAMIL Y PRA YEBS. 

ing up for themselves treasures on earth, may 
we be rich towards God. 

Deliver us from all those fleshly lusts, which 
war against the soul, and from all those vices 
of the mind, which tend to grieve Thy good 
Spirit, and to banish peace and joy from the 
heart. Especially, we pray that Thou wilt de- 
liver us from the sins, which do most easily 
beset us, and enable us to set a special guard 
against them. Help us continually to watch 
and pray, that we may not enter into tempta- 
tion, and to keep our hearts with all diligence, 
since out of them are the issues of life. * * 

We lament, that, through our neglect of 
watchfulness and prayer, we have so often 
yielded to temptation, and fallen into sin. 
Mercifully pardon all our past neglects. Make 
us more circumspect for the time to come; and 
do Thou, God of all grace, keep us from fall- 
ing, and preserve us by Thy mighty power, 
through faith unto salvation. Our safety and 
our happiness are in Thee alone. On Thy 
power, grace, and faithfulness will we rely, and 
to Thy name shall be all the glory, through 
Jesus Christ our only Mediator and Advocate. 
Amen. 



THIRD WEEK, 105 

Friday Morning, 

Most glorious and ever-blessed Jehovah ! we 
humbly adore Thee, as the Creator and Lord 
of all; the wise and holy, and gracious Go- 
vernor of the universe, whom all Tiiy rational 
creatures are bound, by duty and interest, to 
worship, love, and obey. As we were made by 
Thee, so we were made for Thee, and our best 
service is Thy due. 

With sorrow and shame, we confess our mani- 
fold violations of Thy wise and holy law. As 
it demands perfect obedience, and we are all 
transgressors of it, we are convinced that by 
the deeds of the law no flesh living can be justi- 
fied. We thank Thee for that blessed Gospel 
which Thou hast sent among us, in which the 
glad tidings of salvation by Jesus Christ are 
proclaimed. Teach us to form right views of 
the religion of the Gospel, and give us to expe- 
rience the life and power of it in our souls. 

If hitherto any of us are strangers to the 
things which belong to our eternal peace, con- 
vince us of our guilt and danger, and let that 
blessed Spirit, who is the author of the new 
creation, create us anew in Christ Jesus. Work 
in us that faith which is the operation of God. 



106 FAMIL Y PBA YEB8. 

Direct us to behold Jesus as laboring, sujBfering, 
dying, and ascending for the salvation of sin- 
ners. Give us faith in the efficacy of His right- 
eousness, atonement, and intercession, and en- 
able us to come unto Him that we may have 
life, and to rely upon Him for complete salva- 
tion. May we know what it is to have our 
whole hearts subdued by His love, so as to be 
crucified with Him, to be dead unto sin, to be 
mortified to the world, but alive unto God. 
Make us to bear His image, to obey His laws, 
to pursue His service, to seek His glory, to pro- 
mote His cause. 

Whatever there be wanting in us, to consti- 
tute us real Christians, Lord, discover it to us, 
and work it in us. Beat down every false, pre- 
sumptuous hope, and let us know the worst of 
ourselves while yet there is a remedy. If any 
secret sin be lurking in our hearts, root it out, 
however painful the operation. May all old 
things pass away, and all things become new. 
If we are Christians indeed, and have received 
the grace of God in truth, give us the comfort- 
able evidence of Thy good work begun. May 
Thy Spirit witness with our spirits, that we are 
the children of God. Make us more sensible 
of our imperfections, more humble for them, 



THIRD WEEK. 107 

more desirous and diligent to have them re- 
moved. Do Thou perfect what is lacking in 
our knowledge and in our faith, and fulfill in 
us all Thy good pleasure. * * 

We praise Thee for Thy continued goodness 
to us. We commend ourselves, and all that 
are dear unto us, to Thy future care. May 
Thy providence guard and provide for us this 
day, and may Thy grace enable us every day to 
live in Thy fear. Pardon, accept, and bless us, 
Father of mercies, through Thy dear Son Je- 
sus Christ, who is our hope, in whom believing 
we would rejoice, and desire to be found living, 
dying, and forever. Amen. 



Friday Evening, 

Thou ever-blessed, glorious, and gracious 
God! who art the fountain both of the natural 
and spiritual life, we, Thy dependent creatures, 
are once more met together to make our united 
acknowledgments to Thee. We would praise 
Thee for mercies already received, and implore 
future blessings according to our necessities, 
both for body and soul. 

We thank Thee, that Thou gavest us being, 
and hast, amid so many dangers and provoca- 



108 FAMIL Y PBA YERS. 

tions, continued us in it. It is Thy visitation 
which upholds our spirits, and to Thy free, un- 
merited goodness are we indebted for those 
things, which render our lives happy. Blessed 
be God for all our enjoyments of an outward 
nature, both personal and relative. May they 
be continued to us, and be wisely improved! 
"While we live, may we live unto the Lord. 

If any of us are as yet dead in trespasses 
and sins, do Thou raise us to a new, a spiritual 
and divine life. Adored be the riches of Thy 
grace, if any of us have ground to hope, that 
Thou hast begun this good work in us. We 
lament the imperfections of it, and pray that 
Thou wilt strengthen what Thou hast wrought. 
May we grow in grace, and in the knowledge 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Form 
our minds to those right notions of religion, on 
which our progress in it so much depends. 
Give us a growing acquaintance with Thee, 
with ourselves, and with the doctrines, precepts, 
and promises of the glorious Gospel. 

Make us faithful stewards to our great Lord, 
from whom we have received all we have, and 
to whom we must shortly render a strict ac- 
count. May we think of no interest of our 
own, in opposition to Thine, or as separate from 



THIRD WEEK. 109 

it; but consider it as most effectually living to 
ourselves, vrhen we live most unto Thee. 

Under a growing sense of Thy love to us, may 
we feel an increasing love to our brethren of 
mankind; and as we have ability and opportu- 
nity, may we be ready to do good unto all. 
Whatever of the good things of this life Thou 
hast lodged in our hands for their relief, may 
we be Thy faithful almoners; and while we 
give liberally, may we do it with discretion, so 
as to answer the best ends. And do Thou mul- 
tiply the seed sown, and so prosper us in our 
worldly affairs, if it be Thy blessed will, that 
we may have more to impart to them who are 
in need. * * 

Have pity upon the world that lies in wicked- 
ness, and let the Gospel every where be the 
power of God unto salvation. Bless our coun- 
try, and let Thy favor extend to all ranks of 
men. Promote among us that righteousness 
which exalte th a nation. Awaken the zeal, 
and succeed the labors of Thy ministers and 
Thy people, for the honor of Christ and the 
salvation of souls. Show mercy to all in dis- 
tress. Be a friend to all our friends, and let 
our worst enemies obtain Thy salvation. Let 
us experience the tokens of Thy presence with 
10 



110 FAMIL Y PEA YERS. 

US this night, and in the morning may we find 
ourselves still with Thee. We ask all in the 
name, and as the disciples, of the benevolent 
Saviour of men, who went about continually 
doing good, and loved us even unto death 3 unto 
whom be glory for ever. Amen. 



Saturday Morning, 

Eternal and unchangeable Jehovah! the 
Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of an- 
gels and men; we desire, with the deepest hu- 
miliation of soul, to fall down, at this time, in 
Thine awful presence, and present ourselves 
before Thee. Do Thou penetrate our hearts 
with a becoming sense of Thine unutterable 
glories and condescending goodness. 

We would avouch Thee the Lord, to be our 
God, and give ourselves up to Thee as Thy peo- 
ple. Accept us as Thine own, and grant that 
we may henceforth be entirely Thine, Thine 
forever. To Thee we desire to present the 
whole frame of our nature; all the members of 
our bodies, and all the faculties of our minds, 
as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto 
God, which we know to be our most reasonable 
service. To Thee also would we consecrate all 



THIRD WEEK. Ill 

our earthly possessions, to be enjoyed and laid 
out for Thine honor. And the remainder of 
our time on earth, we desire to spend in Thy 
service. Do Thou instruct and enable us so to 
employ every year, and day, and hour, as shall 
most promote Thine honor. 

Whatever influence Thou givest us over 
others, help us to improve it for Thy glory and 
their good. May we resolve especially, that we 
and our house shall serve the Lord. Use us, 
we beseech Thee, as instruments of Thy glory, 
and honor us so far as, either by doing or suf- 
fering what Thou shalt appoint, to bring some 
revenue of praise to Thee, and of benefit to the 
world. May we henceforth consider ourselves 
as not our own, but Thine ; no longer strangers 
and foreigners, but Thy peculiar people, fellow- 
citizens with the saints, and of the household 
of faith. Being devoted to Thee as Thy peo- 
ple, enable us to rejoice in Thee as our God in 
an everlasting covenant. 

We confess, Lord, our un worthiness of this 
honor and privilege, and our insufficiency for 
the duties which we owe Thee. Wash us, we 
beseech Thee, in the blood of Thy Son; clothe 
us with Thy righteousness, and sanctify us by 
the Spirit of Thy grace. Destroy more and 



112 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

more the power of sin in our hearts; transform 
us more and more into Thine own image; and 
form us to a resemblance of the blessed Jesus, 
whom we acknowledge as our teacher, and our 
example, our sacrifice and intercessor. Com- 
municate to us the needful influences of Thy 
enlightening, quickening, and comforting Spirit. 
Lift upon us the light of Thy countenance, 
and enable us to go on our way rejoicing. May 
we, this day especially, find Thee near unto us, 
in all its duties, privileges, and mercies, ena- 
bling us, in the midst of all, to improve to Thy 
glory and the good of our souls. * * 

When we have done and suffered Thy will 
on earth, remove us hence, when and how Thou 
pleasest; only grant, that, in our dying mo- 
ments, we may be enabled to glorify Thee, and 
with our last breath, show forth Thy praise. 
Place underneath us Thine everlasting arms; 
put strength and confidence into our departing 
spirits, and receive us into the embraces of 
Thine everlasting love. We ask all through 
Jesus, the great Mediator of the covenant, to 
whom, with Thee, Father, and Thine Holy 
Spirit, be everlasting praises ascribed. Amen. 



THIRD WEEK. 113 

Saturday Evening, 

It is good to give thanks unto Thy name, 
Lord, and to show forth Thy praises, Thou 
Most High; morning and evening to speak of 
Thy faithfulness and to talk of all Thy wonder- 
ful works. Bless the Lord, our souls, and all 
that is within us, bless His holy name. Thou 
hast, indeed, been good unto us. Help us ever 
to make to Thee proper returns. 

Thou greatest and best of beings, possess 
our souls with a supreme . delight in Thyself, 
and cause us to long after more abundant com- 
munications of Thy favor, and a nearer com- 
formity to Thy will and to Thy blessed nature. 
Withdraw our affections more and more from 
all created objects, and engage us to return unto 
Thee, and repose ourselves in Thee as our rest, 
who hast dealt so bountifully with us. Thou 
art our Father and our friend for time and for 
eternity. As such may we cheerfully commit 
ourselves to Thee for both, leaving it to Thee 
to choose our inheritance, and to order all our 
affairs; while we make it all our business to 
serve Thee, and all our delight to praise Thee. 
May our souls follow hard after Thee, and still 
press on toward Thee; and may Thy right 

10* 



114 FAMIL Y PEA YERS. 

hand uphold us, until all our desires be accom- 
plished in the full enjoyment of Thee. 

Amidst all the difficulties and dangers of our 
mortal pilgrimage, may we feel ourselves sup- 
ported, and borne forward by Thine Almighty 
arm, towards the region of blessedness. May 
we be waiting for Thy salvation with ardent 
desire, and yet with calm resignation, whilst 
we are found doing Thy commandments. May 
our loins be girt about, and our lamps be burn- 
ing, as those who are waiting for their Lord; 
and grant that we may be found of Him in 
peace. The close of every week and every day 
brings us nearer to the close of life. May 
every week and every day find us wiser and 
better ; more fit to leave this world and to enter 
into the heavenly state. 

We pray that Thy blessing may be upon all 
Thy people. Feed Thine inheritance and lift 
them up forever. May every association formed 
for Thine own praise flourish in knowledge, 
holiness, and love. Clothe Thy ministers with 
salvation, that by their means Thy chosen peo- 
ple may be made joyful. Cause a glorious ac- 
cession to Thy churches everywhere. May con- 
verts fly to Jesus as a cloud, and as doves to 
their windows. May Thy table, Lord, be 



THIRD WEEK. 115 

furnished with guests; and may all that love 
Thy salvation, say, "Let the Lord be magni- 
fied, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of His 
servants." We pray that those, who profess to 
have received Christ Jesus the Lord, may be 
duly careful to walk in Him. * * * 

Grant that the solemnities of Thine house on 
the ensuing day, may be blessed to us and to 
our fellow-worshipers; and that by all the ser- 
vices of Thy Church below, we may be pre- 
paring to join the general assembly and Church 
of the first-born above. We present these, our 
imperfect praises and prayers, to Thee, in the 
all-prevailing name of Jesus, who died for our 
sins, and who rose again for our justification, 
and ever lives to make intercession for us; 
to whom be honor and dominion everlasting. 
Amen. 



FOURTH WEEK. t 

Sunday Morning. 

Unto Thee, Lord, would we once more lift 
up our hearts, and unto Thee direct our suppli- 
cation and prayer; for that Thy name is near, 
Thy wondrous works declare. It is our great- 
est honor and advantage to be allowed access 
to Thee; but our souls are so bowed down with 
a spirit of infirmity, that we cannot lift them 
up unto Thee. Lord, cure this sad disease; 
cleanse us from all our sins, remove our car- 
nality, and spiritualize our affections. 

We praise Thee for Thy distinguishing mer- 
cies to us, especially that we were born and do 
still live in a valley of vision; in a lightsome 
Goshen, whilst other nations of the earth are 
still overwhelmed with Egyptian darkness. 
"We bless Thee for Thy holy word, which is a 
light to our feet and a lamp to our path. Espe- 
cially would we praise Thee for the great Gos- 
pel record, "that God hath given to us eternal 
life, and that this life is in His Son." May we 
receive it as a faithful saying, and worthy of all 
acceptation. May we have an interest in the 
mediation of Thy Son; and may He be made 
116 



FOURTH WEEK. 117 

of God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctifi- 
cation, and redemption. 

Grant that our hearts may this day be filled 
with pleasing thoughts of Christ, and of that 
great love wherewith He hath loved us. For 
His sake forgive all our sins, in thought, word, 
and deed; and let our lusts be mortified, that 
they may not be as clogs to hinder the ascent 
of our souls heavenward. 

Give to Thy servants, who shall preach Thy 
word this day, the tongue of the learned, that 
they may rightly divide the word of truth, and 
speak a word in season to the souls of their 
hearers, and suitable to their various cases. 
Do Thou glorify Thy free grace and sovereign 
power, in making the Gospel effectual for open- 
ing the hearts of sinners, and bringing them to 
cast down the weapons of rebellion, and touch 
the golden sceptre of mercy, that they may 
live. 

In praying, in praising, in reading, and in 
hearing Thy word, may Thy good Spirit rest 
upon us, and enable us to do all as for our life. 
Help us so to spend this day, and all our days, 
that we may at length receive the end of our 
faith, even the salvation of our souls. May we 
spend every Sabbath, and hear every sermon, 



118 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

as if it were our last, since we know not how 
soon our last will come. "^ * 

May we thus grow in grace and in the know- 
ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, un- 
til we attain to the stature of a perfect man in 
Christ Jesus and shall at last be permitted, 
with all Thy ransomed ones, to surround Thy 
throne of glory above, and unite in praising 
Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in a world 
without end. Amen. 



Sunday Evening. 

Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty, which 
was, and is, and art to come! Thou art of 
purer eyes than to behold iniquity, and canst 
not look upon sin with pleasure. Yet we re- 
joice to know, there is forgiveness with Thee, 
that Thou mayest be feared; yea, plenteous 
redemption in Jesus Christ Thy Son. We 
would approach Thee this night in His all- 
prevailing name, and ask that we may be 
accepted of Thee in Him. 

We have been favored with the light, and 
with the blessings and privileges of another of 
Thy holy Sabbaths, as these are enjoyed in a 
Christian land. Thou knowest, Lord, how 



FOURTH WEEK. 119 

far we have improved them to the purpose for 
which they have been given. Forbid that it 
should be in vain, or even worse than in vain, 
that we have enjoyed such distinguished privi- 
leges as Thou hast this day bestowed upon us. 
Let not the seed of Thy word, which has been 
sown in our hearts, be plucked away by Satan, 
lost through temptation, or choked by the cares 
of this life; but may it be properly treasured 
up, and permitted to bring forth fruit to Thine 
honor and glory. 

Grant, Lord, that our lives may ever ex- 
hibit whose we are, and whom we desire to 
serve. Kenew us in the spirit of our minds; 
and make us in every thing such as Thou 
wouldst have us to be. Mortify our pride and 
clothe us with humility. Subdue our angry 
passions, and put on us the ornament of a meek 
and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is 
of great price. Help us to crucify the flesh, 
with all its affections and lusts; to keep under 
our body, and to bring it into subjection to the 
laws of reason and religion, that we may al- 
ways possess our vessel in sanctification and 
honor. 

Prepare us for whatever we may meet with 
between this and the grave. We know not 



1 20 FAMIL Y PR A YERS. 

what is before us, but Thou knowest ; and we 
desire cheerfully to leave ourselves in Thy 
hands, who orderest all things well. We beg 
of Thee, to fit us by Thy grace, for all the ser- 
vices, and all the sufferings to which Thou 
mayest call us. Arm us against every tempta- 
tion, and help us at all times, and in all condi- 
tions, to glorify God, to keep a good conscience, 
and to be found in the way of our duty, that 
we may maintain our hope and joy in Christ, 
and have a bright believing prospect of eternal 
life. 

We pray for all who have this day heard the 
word of salvation. Grant unto them the mer- 
cies we ask for ourselves. Let Thy ministers, 
who water others, be abundantly watered in 
their own souls. Strengthen them for their 
work, and give them success in it. Remember 
in much mercy those, who, by Thy Providence, 
have this day been kept from Thy house, and 
grant them special supplies of Thy grace. 
May such as have wilfully or ignorantly ab- 
sented themselves from Thy courts, have their 
eyes opened to see, and their hearts awakened 
to feel, their guilt and danger, and learn to flee 
from the wrath to come. Hasten the time, 
when Thy house shall be a house of prayer for 



FOURTH WEEK. 121 

all nations, and the whole world shall worship 
in Thy courts. * * 

We ask these mercies, together with Thy 
care and protection this night, in the name and 
for the sake of Him, who loved us and gave 
Himself for us; to whom, with Thee, the 
Father, and the Holy Spirit, would we ascribe 
praises evermore. Amen. 



Monday Morning, 

Incomprehensibly great and glorious Jeho- 
vah we are again this morning, in circumstan- 
ces of goodness and mercy, permitted to lift up 
our hearts and voices unto Thee. Accept our 
sincere and united thanks for the protection 
Thou hast afforded us, and the refreshing sleep 
we have enjoyed during the past night. 

Be graciously present with us, through the 
whole of this day, and of this week, upon the 
secular employments of which we are now 
about to enter. Enable us to carry the spirit 
of our holy religion into all our transactions 
with the world. May we especially in all 
things, be conscientiously just, knowing that 
all, who do unrighteously, are an abomination 
unto the Lord. Help us to guide our affairs 
11 



122 FAMIL Y PRA YEBS. 

with discretion^ that we may have it in our 
power to show favor, and assist our neighbor, 
in whatsoever business he hath need of us, as 
becometh saints. Enable us upon all occa- 
sions, and in all circumstances, to show mercy, 
that we may never have mercy without judg- 
ment from Thee. If it should please Thee to 
crown our efforts with success, so that we shall 
increase, and abound in the good things of this 
life, let our rising in the world only go hand in 
hand with the preservation and comfortable 
subsistence of all around us. 

In the midst of all, Lord, help us from 
morning to night, to take heed lest at any time 
our hearts be overcharged with the cares of this 
life; remembering that Thou hast expressly 
said : " He that maketh haste to be rich, shall 
not be innocent." Deliver us, we beseech 
Thee, from the inordinate love of money, 
which is the root of all evil; which, while 
some coveted after, they have erred from the 
faith, and pierced themselves through with 
many sorrows. Let us not be over anxious to 
lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, where 
moth and rust do corrupt, and where thieves 
may break through and steal ; but help us to 
lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, that, 



FOURTH WEEK. 123 

where our treasure is, there our hearts may be 
also forever. 

Enable us at all times to cherish in our 
hearts, a lively sense, both of the shortness and 
uncertainty of time. May this engage us care- 
fully to redeem it, and so to number all our 
days, that we may employ them in habitual 
preparation for death. Give us, we beseech 
Thee, this day our daily bread. Forgive our 
numberless failings and shortcomings in duty. 
Forbid that we should indulge either malice or 
envy in our hearts toward any fellow-creature. 
May we not fall into temptation ; but should 
Thy will be otherwise, wilt Thou enable us to 
resist and overcome such temptations as shall 
overtake us. And in the evening, may we 
return to a throne of grace, with a conscience 
void of offence, and a heart filled with grati- 
tude to Thee, for the privileges and blessings 
of another day. * * 

Now unto the Three that bear record in 
heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Spirit ; be ascribed, as is most due, all praise 
and power, dominion and glory, world without 
end. Amen. 



124 FAMILY PBAYEBS, 

Monday Evening, 

God of all goodness, mercy, and grace ! we 
again appear before Thee as worshipers, and 
humbly ask, that Thou wouldst hear our 
prayer, and give ear to the words of our mouth. 

"We acknowledge, that we are unworthy of 
the least of all Thy mercies, and much more 
so, of the distinguished privileges we enjoy. 
We are sinful by nature and by practice. 
Wert Thou to deal with us as we deserve, we 
must expect from Thee nothing but indigna- 
tion and wrath. To us belong shame and con- 
fusion of face ; but to Thee, mercy and forgive- 
ness, that Thou mayest be feared. Deal not 
with us according to our sins; but look upon 
us in the face of Thine anointed. Him would 
we hold up as our shield. To Christ alone 
would we look for pardon and acceptance with 
Thee. 

Give us, Lord, that best evidence of pardon 
and acceptance, which ariseth from a con- 
formity of mind and will to Thee, and to our 
blessed Master. Let us receive grace, whereby 
we may serve Thee acceptably. May none of 
us henceforward live unto ourselves. We are 
not our own ; for we are bought with a price. 



FOURTH WEEK. 125 

May we, therefore, glorify Thee in our body, 
and in our spirit, which are Thine. 

We would, by Thy grace, this evening, form 
sincere resolutions, to live more and more 
soberly, honestly, and godly, in this present evil 
world. And to this purpose, we humbly be- 
seech Thee, to teach us to reflect seriously upon 
the shortness of life; the rapidity with which 
our days, and weeks, and months, and years, 
pass away. Help us to consider, that our career 
may terminate every moment, when death shall 
summon us to judgment, and the consequences 
be eternal. Lord, teach us, therefore, so to 
number and improve every day, as if we were 
certain it should be our last. May we not, like 
the foolish virgins, sleep or even slumber, in a 
cold outward profession; but having our loins 
girded, and our lamps burning, may we imitate 
the wise virgins, ever watching and making 
ready for the coming of our Lord ; and thus 
may we hope to appear before Him with con- 
fidence and holy joy. 

Keep us this night, God, under the shadow 
of Thy wings, and defend our bodies and souls 
from all evil. Refresh us with sleep, and if 
Thou art pleased to grant us the privilege of 
another day in this state of probation, may our 

11* 



126 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

renewed strength be employed to advance Thy 
glory and promote the best interests of all 
around us. 

Continue still to be kind and favorable to all 
our relatives and friends. May we all be united 
in the same covenant of redemption here, and 
be permitted to enjoy its more glorious privi- 
leges together hereafter. 

Let the country in which we live, continue 
to be the object of Thy special care. If con- 
sistent with the designs of Thy Providence, 
may it never be the seat of war ; but be the 
constant abode of liberty and peace. We long 
for the time, when wars shall cease to the ends 
of the earth, and there shall be nothing to hurt 
or destroy in all Tby holy mountain. Hasten 
that happy time, God, and prepare the world 
for it. * * 

And now, the God of Israel cause us to go 
from His throne in peace, and with the hope 
of pardon and acceptance ; and to the Father, 
Son and blessed Spirit, be eternal praises. 
Amen. 



FOURTH WEEK. 127 



Tuesday Morning, 

Almighty God and everlasting Father! Thou 
art the source of every good, and the fountain 
of every blessing ; the God and Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, and in and through Him, 
we would fondly hope, our God and Father. 
Help us to pour out our hearts before Thee, 
with the same confidence and affection, with 
which children go to an earthly parent. 

We have great and abundant cause, to bless 
Thee, our God, for all that Thou art in Thy- 
self, and for all that Thou art to us. Thy 
mercies are new every morning. We have met 
together around this family altar in peace and 
safety. Thou hast been our defence and our 
refuge. Let then the outgoings of the morn- 
ing and of the evening praise Thee. 

We thank Thee more especially for all the 
blessings of redemption. In the Gospel of 
Christ, mercy and truth meet together, and 
righteousness and peace kiss each other. Thus 
can even we rejoice in Thy power and justice ; 
Thy holiness, mercy, and love ; and bless Thee, 
that the light of the knowledge of this Thy 
glory, shines in the hearts of Thy people, in 



128 FAMIL Y PRA YEBS. 

the face of Jesus Christ. Blessed be Thou^ the 
just God, and the Saviour. 

We acknowledge ourselves to he unworthy 
of the least of Thy mercies. We are all sinful 
and guilty. We have turned every one to his 
own way. In many things we have all of- 
fended Thee, and in all have we come short. 

We plead Thy mercy through Jesus Christ 
Thy Son, who bore our sins in His own body 
on the tree. We plead Thy faithfulness 
according to Thy many precious promises. 
Cleanse, we beseech Thee, the thoughts of our 
hearts, by the influence of Thy Holy Spirit, 
that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily 
magnify Thy holy name. 

Strengthen us for the duties of this day. 
Suffer us not to be tempted above what we are 
able to bear ; but with every temptation, make 
a way of escape. Hold Thou up our goings in 
Thy paths, that our footsteps slip not. Set a 
watch before our mouths, and keep the door of 
our lips, that we offend not with our tongue. 
Enable us also to keep our heart with all dili- 
gence, seeing that out of it, are the issues of 
life. Increase our faith, enliven our hope, and 
enlarge our charity, that we may faithfully 
serve Thee, and in all things glorify Thy name. 



FOURTH WEEK. 129 

We pray for all our relatives and friends. 
Give them prosperity both of body and soul. 
Grant that grace and peace may be multiplied 
to all those, who call on the name of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. Seek and save the lost sheep of 
the house of Israel. Let the light of life also 
shine into every benighted heart. Increase es- 
pecially among the people of this nation, the 
number of those, who know, and love, and serve 
Thee. Bless our rulers, and guide our states- 
men ; teach Thy ministers and prosper Thy 
people, that there may be no complaining in 
our streets ; and that it may be said of us, 
'' Happy is the people, that is in such a case ; 
yea, happy is that people, whose God is the 
Lord." * * 

These prayers we offer up in the name, and 
through the mediation of Thy Son, Jesus Christ 
our Lord, who hath taught us to pray. 

Our Father, &c. 



130 FAMILY PEAYEB8. 

Tuesday Evening. 

THOU, who art the God of all the families 
of the earth, and who didst favorably notice 
Abraham's commanding his children after him, 
to keep the way of the Lord ; be Thou present 
with us now, and enable us, by Thy Holy 
Spirit, and through Thy Son's intercession, to 
worship Thee in spirit and in truth. 

We come before Thee, acknowledging that 
we were all born in sin, the children of wrath, 
and have in common a corrupt nature and a 
continued propensity to depart from Thee. 
How often have we offended Thee, the God of 
all the earth, by actual transgressions ! Even 
during the day that is past, have we, by vain 
thoughts, by idle words, by sinful indulgences, 
grieved Thy Spirit, and incurred Thy displea- 
sure. Our only refuge is in Thy promised 
mercy in Christ Jesus. We cast ourselves 
wholly on that mercy. Fixing all our hopes 
on our Saviour Jesus, we confess our guilt, and 
earnestly pray that His blood may cleanse us 
from all sin. 

Oh that all now kneeling before Thee, may 
indeed obtain mercy in Christ Jesus, pass from 
death unto life, and love and serve Thee un- 



FOURTH WEEK. 131 

feignedly. But, Lord, how cold is our love 
to Thee ; how dull, how dead are our hearts ! 
Help us to love Thee, our God, with all our 
heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and 
with all our strength. Shed abroad the love 
of God in our hearts, by giving us the Holy 
Ghost, and may we be taught of God to love 
one another. 

Bless all who are near and dear unto us. 
Many beloved relatives and friends are absent 
from us; but Thou art with them, and all their 
wants are known to Thee. Give them Thy 
grace. Ever guide them here by Thy counsel, 
and may none of them be wanting in Thy 
heavenly kingdom. 

We pray for all in authority. May their 
counsels be so ordered by Thee, as shall be 
most for the good of our country. Grant, we 
beseech Thee, to all ministers of Jesus Christ 
every where, true knowledge and understand- 
ing of Thy word ; and may they set it forth 
in their lives accordingly. Make them wise 
to win souls. Call forth, and send out many 
faithful laborers to the work of the ministry. 
May the distant isles wait on Thee, and the 
Gentiles come to Thy light. Bless every 
society established for benefiting the bodies or 



132 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

the souls of men, and especially those, in 
which we are more immediately engaged and 
interested. 

Thanks be unto Thee, Lord, for all Thy 
goodness toward us. How multiplied are Thy 
mercies every day ! How excellent is Thy 
loving-kindness ! We bless Thee for all Thy 
long-suffering and forbearance toward us. We 
bless Thee for the infinite mercies of redeeming 
love. We bless Thee for the knowledge of 
Thy salvation, and for the light of Thy truth ; 
for protection from every danger during the 
night, and provision for all our wants by day. 
Thou hast spread our table with food, and 
Thou gives t us every needful good, * * 

Accept these our prayers and our praises, 
which we offer up in and through Jesus Christ, 
our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 



Wednesday Morning, 

Almighty and most merciful Father ! we ac- 
knowledge ourselves to be sinners before Thee. 
We have erred and strayed from Thy ways like 
lost sheep. We have followed too much the 
devices and desires of our own hearts. We 
have offended against Thy holy laws. We 



FOURTH WEEK, 133 

have left undone those things^ which we ought 
to have done ; and we have done those things 
which we ought not to have done ; and there 
is no health in us. Have mercy upon us, mis- 
erable ojQTenders. Spare Thou those, 6 God, 
who confess their faults. Restore Thou, those 
that are penitent, according to Thy promise 
declared unto mankind, in Christ Jesus our 
Lord. 

May we hereafter lead a godly, righteous, 
and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy name. 
Help us, especially, thus to live through the 
day upon which we have entered. Bless us in 
all our ways ; and whatever we do, may we do 
it heartily as unto Thee, with an eye single to 
Thy glory, and in humble dependence on Thy 
fatherly protection. Enlighten our understand- 
ing; control our wills, and sanctify our affec- 
tions. Preserve us so in our ways, that neither 
the pleasures, nor the cares, nor the honors of 
this life, may turn away our thoughts from the 
life which is to come. May we learn and labor 
daily to live above the world, and to follow all 
our occupations in it with a heavenly mind.. 

Enable us faithfully to discharge our several 
duties to Thee and to our fellow-creatures, that 
we may be useful in our generation, among 
12 



134 FAMIL Y PBA YEBS. 

men, and steadfast in our covenant with Thee. 
Having had much forgiven of Thee, may we 
love Thee much, and strive to please Thee in 
all our ways. And grant that nothing may 
ever separate between us and Thee, by causing 
us to grow weary of Thy service. But may we 
keep Thy covenant forever, and think upon 
Thy commandments to do them, finding Thy 
yoke easy and Thy burden light; yea, account- 
ing Thy service perfect freedom, and the very 
joy of our heart. 

We beseech Thee, to embrace with the arms 
of Thy mercy, not only ourselves, but all who 
partake of our fallen nature. Pity and convert 
the wicked. May they no longer make a mock 
at sin, but learn to tremble at that wrath, 
which Thou hast revealed against all ungodli- 
ness and unrighteousness of men, fearing Thee 
who art able to destroy both body and soul in 
hell. Give them grace to stand in awe of Thy 
judgment, and to sin no more. Bless Thy 
faithful people with knowledge and good un- 
derstanding in the ways of godliness ; and let 
not the children of this world be wiser in their 
generation than the children of light. * * 

Mercifully accept, Lord, of these our sup- 
plications and prayers ; and dispose the way of 



FOURTH WEEK, 135 

Thy servants toward the attainment of ever- 
lasting salvation, that, among all the changes 
and chances of this mortal life, we may ever 
be defended by Thy most gracious and ready 
help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Wednesday Evening. 

Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from one 
generation to another. Before the mountains 
were brought forth, or ever the earth and the 
worlds were made, even from everlasting to 
everlasting Thou art God. Upon Thy mercy- 
seat in the heavens. Thou waitest to be gra- 
cious; and we, Thy sinful creatures, draw nigh 
unto Thee, as unto God in Christ, reconciling 
the world unto Thyself, not imputing their 
trespasses unto them. 

Be Thou merciful unto us, and grant us, ac- 
cording to the riches of Thy glory, to be 
strengthened with might, by Thy Spirit, in the 
inner man. Let Christ dwell in our hearts by 
faith, that, being rooted and grounded in love, 
we may be able to comprehend, with all saints, 
what is the breadth, and length, and depth, 
and height, and to know the love of Christ, 



136 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

whicli passeth knowledge, that we may be filled 
with all the fulness of Thee, our God. 

Thou hast brought and defended us, through 
the dangers of another day; and hast blessed 
us with every needful blessing, in our going 
out and coming in. But we beseech Thee, 
God of the spirits of all flesh, in whom alone 
we live, and move, and have our being, to touch 
our hearts with the solemn and affecting truth, 
that we know not what shall be on the mor- 
row. Keep us constantly mindful, that, in the 
midst of life, we are in death. Of whom may 
we seek for succor but of Thee, Lord, who, 
for our sins, art justly displeased? Yet, O 
Lord God most holy, Lord, most mighty, O 
holy and merciful Saviour, Thou most worthy 
Judge eternal, suffer us not at our last hour, 
for any pains of death, to fall from Thee. 

Give ear, Lord, to our prayers for our fel- 
low-creatures. Put the ungodly in fear, that 
they may know themselves to be but men. 
Incline them seriously to think on their ways, 
and turn their feet unto Thy testimonies. Let 
all those who trust in Thee rejoice, because 
their redemption draweth nigh; and tlieir sal- 
vation is nearer than when they first believed. 
Be gracious unto such as, in this transitory 



FOURTH WEEK. 137 

world, are suffering, either for their sins or for 
righteousness' sake; and sanctify their suffer- 
ings to the good of their souls. 

Look with compassion on all whom the sor- 
rows of death are encompassing about. We 
commend their souls into Thy hands, as into 
the hands of a faithful Creator and most mer- 
ciful Saviour; humbly beseeching Thee, that 
they may be precious in Thy sight. Wash 
them in the blood of that spotless Lamb, that 
was slain to take away the sins of the world, 
that they may be presented pure, and without 
spot before Thee. 

Teach us, who survive, ever to remember 
how frail and uncertain our own condition is; 
and so to number our days, that we may apply 
our hearts unto wisdom. May neither the 
splendor of anything that is great, nor the con- 
ceit of anything that is good in us, withdraw 
our eyes from looking upon ourselves as sinful 
dust and ashes; but may we press forward to 
the prize of the high calling that is before us, 
in faith and patience, humility and meekness, 
mortification and self-denial, charity and con- 
stant perseverance unto the end. * * 

All this we ask, for Thy Son, our Lord Jesus 
Christ's sake, to whom, with Thee and the 

12* 



138 FAMIL Y PEA YEBS. 

Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory world with- 
out end. Amen. 



Thursday Morning. 

Behold us, good and gracious God, at the 
footstool of Thy grace, this morning. We come 
to present our humble and sincere adorations 
to the Author of our life, and the lengthener 
out of our days; for it is to Thee, that we are 
indebted for our preservation during the past 
night; and Thou alone hast caused us to see 
the beginning of this day. Let Thy gracious 
presence be with us during the course of it, and 
all the succeeding days and nights of our 
earthly pilgrimage. 

We acknowledge ourselves to be unworthy 
of Thy favor and love; but, that Thou mayest 
hear us, notwithstanding our sinfulness and un- 
worthiness, look upon us, God, in the face of 
Thine Anointed; and cause us to be partakers 
of all the blessed fruits of His death and resur- 
rection. We look to the unsearchable riches 
of Christ, that we may see what is the fellow- 
ship of the mystery, which from the beginning 
of the world hath been hid in God; who not 
only created all things by Christ, but was in 



FOURTH WEEK. 139 

Him reconciling the world unto Himself; and 
hath now exalted Him to be a Prince and a 
Saviour, to give repentance unto His people, as 
well as the remission of all their sins. Oh 
that our bodies may henceforth be the temples^ 
of God. through the Holy Spirit, dwelling in 
us, and uniting us to Jesus Christ by a true and 
living faith. 

We would count all things but loss, that we 
may win Christ, and be found in Him, not 
having our own righteousness, w4iich is of the 
law, but that which is through the faith of 
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by 
faith; and that we may know Him and the 
power of His resurrection, and the fellowship 
of His sufferings, and be made conformable 
unto His death; not as though we had already 
attained, either were already perfect; but this 
one thing we desire to do : " Forgetting those 
things which are behind, and reaching forth 
unto those which are before, we would press 
toward the mark for the prize of the high call- 
ing of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Thou knowest, God, the weakness and cor- 
ruption of our nature, and the many dangers 
and temptations to which we are continually 
exposed. Grant us Thy strength, and Thy 



140 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

grace, to preserve and keep us at all times. 
Let neither the world nor the flesh, this day 
seduce us from the paths of duty; but ever 
thinking and acting as under Thine immediate 
inspection, may we keep in the love and fear 
of all Thy holy commandments. Teach us in 
every circumstance to know Thy will, and give 
us inclination and ability to do it. Continue 
of Thy bounty to provide for all our necessi- 
ties; and support and comfort us under every 
disappointment and trial, which Thou mayest 
see proper to bring upon us. May we live in 
Thy fear and die in Thy favor, and so be made 
both happy and glorious through eternity. * * 
For Thy distinguishing, although unmerited 
goodness and mercy toward us, and all who 
are near and dear to us, we once more offer up 
our united thanksgivings; saying, at the same 
time. Let every creature that is in heaven, and 
on earth, give glory to God for ever and ever. 
And now. Lord, what wait we for? Our hope 
is in Thee. Let the words of our mouth, and 
the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in 
Thy sight, Lord, our strength and our Re- 
deemer. Amen. 



FOURTH WEEK, 141 

Thursday Dcening, 

Lord our God, with humble gratitude we 
would appear in Thy presence this evening, to 
bless Thy name for our preservation hitherto; 
and more especially, for the renewed tokens of 
Thy kindness and love during the past day. 
May our humble and sincere thanks to God for 
His mercies ascend now as incense, and the 
lifting of our hands be as acceptable as the 
evening sacrifices of old. 

When we recollect the mercies of the past 
day, and Thy goodness towards us ever since 
we had a being, our souls should be over- 
whelmed with wonder, love, and gratitude. 
But ah! how cold and insensible are they, and 
what poor returns of love do we make! O 
Lord, forgive the past, and make us more grate- 
ful to Thee in future. 

It is a faithful saying, worthy of all accepta- 
tion, and also of our highest and daily praise, 
that ^^God was in Christ, reconciling the world 
unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses 
unto them;" and hath committed to His ser- 
vants, in every age, the word of reconciliation. 
Forbid it, then, heavenly Father, that any 
of us here present, should be amongst that un- 



142 FAMIL Y FBA YEBS. 

happy number, to whom Thy Son shall at last 
say: "Ye would not come unto Me, that ye 
might have life." But deeply sensible of our 
present sinful and miserable state, convinced 
that there is no other name under heaven by 
which we can be saved, and divinely persuaded 
of the willingness, as well as all-sufficiency of 
the Son of God, for this purpose, may we each 
believe to the saving of the soul. Through 
Him alone we look for pardon, for j ustification, 
for adoption into the family of heaven, and for 
a renovation of all the powers and faculties of 
our mind and soul, to enlighten and fit us for a 
holy practice. 

We know, from past experience, that we are 
not sufficient of ourselves, either to will or to 
do; but Thy grace is sufficient for us, and Thy 
strength can be perfected in our weakness. 
May the law of the Spirit of life which is in 
Christ, make us free from the law of sin and 
death. Then shall we enjoy comfort through 
life, peace at death, and glory in heaven. * * . 

This night we again commend ourselves, and 
all who are near and dear to us, unto Thy fatherly 
care and special protection. Preserve us from 
every danger, and let us never be separated 
from Thy love in Christ Jesus. In a particular 



FOURTH WEEK. 143 

manner, give Thine angels charge with respect 
to this family, that the heads thereof, the chil- 
dren, and all belonging to it, may be preserved 
from the malice and power of the prince of 
darkness. Should our souls be required at our 
hands this night, may we be ready to resign 
them into the arms of a covenant God in Christ; 
but should our life be spared, may we more 
cheerfully and entirely dedicate it to Him, unto 
whom it best belongs, and who alone can make 
us happy here and hereafter. Now unto the 
King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only 
wise God, be honor, and glory; for of Him, and 
through Him, and to Him, are ail things. 
Amen. 



Friday Morning. 

Almighty God, whose ears are always open 
to the petitions of Thy humble servants, unto 
Thee would we lift up our souls. We would 
seek Thee whilst Thou may be found, and call 
upon Thee whilst Thou art near. Dispose us 
ever to direct our prayer to Thee and to look 
up; and daily at Thy footstool to wait for Thy 
blessing, more than they who watch for the 
Let every day begin with Thee. 



144 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

Thou hast protected us during the hours of 
darkness; for the darkness to us is no darkness 
to Thee; but the night shineth as the day; the 
darkness and the light to Thee are both alike. 
We have slept and awoke, and are still with 
Thee. We would humble ourselves in Thy 
presence, in view of the sins, which Thy all-see- 
ing eyes have beheld in the course of our lives. 
And we earnestly entreat Thee to blot out the 
handwriting that is against us; and take it out 
of the way, nailing it to the Cross of Thy be- 
loved Son. Grant unto us redemption through 
His blood, even the forgiveness of sins, accord- 
ing to the riches of Thy grace. May we be 
washed ; may we be sanctified ; may we be j us- 
tified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by 
Thy Spirit, Lord God. 

Let a sense of Thy presence abide with us 
this day. May we set Thee always before us, 
remembering that Thou, God, seest us. And 
since unto Thee all hearts are open, all desires 
known, and from Thee no secrets are hid, 
cleanse, we beseech Thee, the thoughts of our 
hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, 
that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily 
magnify Thy holy name. And while we ac- 
knowledge Thee in all our ways, do Thou in 



FOURTH WEEK. 145 

mercy direct our paths. As Thou didst vouch- 
safe to lead Thy people Israel in safety through 
the wilderness, going before them by day in a 
jDillar of cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night; 
so be Thou mercifully pleased to lead and pro- 
tect us in the way in which w^e should go. 
Stand continually at our right hand, that we 
may not be moved. Strengthen us with the 
Holy Ghost, the Comforter; and daily increase 
in us Thy manifold gifts of grace; the spirit of 
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of coun- 
sel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and 
true piety; and fill us with Thy holy fear, now 
and evermore. 

We beseech Thee also, Lord, to give unto 
our fellow-creatures, a due reverence of Thy 
holy presence. May the ungodly remember, 
that Thou knowest their manifold transgres- 
sions; and that there is no darkness or shadow 
of death, where the workers of iniquity may 
hide their heads. May those, who have hith^ 
erto been deceiving themselves or others, with 
vain professions of religion, be brought to see 
that they cannot deceive Thee; and so may be 
led to seek Thee in truth and sincerity. O 
Lord, we beseech Thee, let Thy continual pity 
cleanse and defend Thy Church ; and because 
13 



146 FAMIL Y PRA YERS. 

it cannot continue in safety without Thy suc- 
cor, preserve it evermore by Thy help and 
goodness. Let Thy presence comfort and sup- 
port Thy afflicted people; and be a refuge to 
them in all their troubles. * * 

Furthermore, we pray Thee to dwell in the 
hearts of all who are near and dear to us ; and 
to make them a holy temple in the Lord, the 
habitation of Thy blessed Spirit/through Jesus 
Christ our Saviour and Redeemer. 

Our Father, &c. 



Friday Evening. 

Almighty and most merciful God ! Thou art 
the helper of all who flee to Thee for succor, 
the life of them who believe and the resurrec- 
tion of the dead. Do Thou graciously receive 
us, seeing Thou hast commanded us by Thy 
well-beloved Son, to ask, and promised us, that 
we shall receive ; to seek and we shall find ; 
and to knock, and it shall be opened unto us. 
We draw nigh unto Thee in His great name, 
trusting to Thy word, that whosoever believeth 
in Thy beloved Son shall be saved. And we 
beseech Thee to grant, that we- may come unto 
Him this night, weary and heavy laden with 



FOURTH WEEK, 147 

the burden of our sins, and may thus find rest 
to our souls. 

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so 
great let Thy mercy be toward us. Far as the 
east is from the west, so far do Thou remove 
our transgressions from us. Yea, like as an 
earthly father pitieth his children, so do Thou, 
our heavenly Father, pity and have mercy upon 
us. Adopt us into Thy family; take away our 
guilt; accept our persons; and reconcile us unto 
Thyself, through the blood of Thy beloved Son. 

We give Thee most humble and hearty 
thanks, for all Thy goodness and loving-kind- 
ness to us and to all men. We bless Thee for 
our creation, preservation, and all the blessings 
of this life; but, above all, for Thine inestima- 
ble love in the redemption of the world, by our 
Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and 
the hope of glory. And we beseech Thee, give 
us a due sense of all Thy mercies, that our 
hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that 
we may show forth Thy praise, not only with 
our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our- 
selves to Thy service, and by walking before 
Thee in holiness and righteousness all our 
days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Hear our prayers in behalf of those, whom it 



148 FAMIL Y PR A YEBS. 

is our duty and our desire to remember at the 
throne of Thy grace. May it please Thee, to 
bring into the way of truth, all such as have 
erred and are deceived. Do Thou defend and 
bless all who are in authority, and rule their 
hearts in Thy faith, fear, and love, that they 
may ever seek Thy honor and glory. Guide 
and protect our magistrates, that they may be 
a terror to evil doers, and for the praise of 
them that do well. Illuminate all the minis- 
ters of Thy blessed Gospel with true knowledge 
and understanding of Thy word; that both by 
their preaching and living, they may set it 
forth and show it accordingly. 

May it please Thee, to bless all who believe 
in Christ Jesus, and to give them grace to con- 
tinue faithful unto death. Look with favor 
upon the rising generation, especially upon the 
generation of those who seek Thee, and all our 
kindred, friends, and neighbors. [Grant that 
the children of this family, as they grow in 
stature, may grow in wisdom and in grace, and 
in favor with Thee and man ; and thus may be- 
come Thy sons and daughters.] And we ask 
that Thou wouldst also stand at the right hand 
of the poor and destitute, and be unto them a 



tower of strength against all their enemies. 



♦ * 



FOURTH WEEK, 149 

Grant, Lord, these our petitions, through 
the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour, who 
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of 
the Holy Ghost, world without end. 

Our Father, &c. 



Saturday Morning. 

Thou, who art the Creator and Preserver 
of all things! behold us again, this morning, at 
the footstool of Thy throne of mercy. Per- 
mitted by Thy grace, and encouraged by Thy 
word, we draw near to adore Thy perfections, 
and to give Thee thanks for the many favors 
conferred upon us. We come also to confess 
our sinfulness and unworthiness, and to plead 
for Thy pardoning mercy and recovering grace. 

Who is like unto Thee, Thou great, eter- 
nal, invisible, and incomprehensible object of 
our spiritual worship? Before all things Thou 
didst exist; from everlasting to everlasting. 
Thou art the only living and true God, infinite 
in wisdom, power, goodness, and mercy. Of 
Thy good-will and pleasure Thou didst at first 
bring us into existence. The exalted rank we 
are permitted to hold in the scale of being, de- 
mands our constant and most grateful acknow- 

13* 



1 50 FAMIL Y PR A YERS. 

ledgments. We are wiser than the fowls of 
heaven, and have more understanding than the 
beasts that perish. We bless Thee, that we 
are endued with rational and immortal souls, 
capable of knowing, worshiping, and enjoying 
Thee. 

We would express our thankfulness this morn- 
ing for all that care, protection, and kindness, 
which we have experienced from our birth to 
the present hour ; for sparing us in childhood, 
guiding us in youth, and preserving us amidst 
the numberless diseases and dangers of riper 
years. We thank Thee for our daily food, for 
our warm and decent clothing, for all the ne- 
cessaries of life, and those many conveniences 
and comforts, which we enjoy beyond thousands 
of our fellow-creatures around us. But above 
all, we would ever adore and praise our God 
for His inestimable love and grace in Jesus 
Christ. We had destroyed ourselves, but in 
Thee help was found. When there was no eye 
to pity, nor hand to help, Thou didst send Thy 
Son to be the Saviour of the world. 

What are we, and what is our father's house, 
that Thou hast dealt so mercifully with us? 
When we think of what we have received, and 
compare it with what we deserve, we are lost 



FOURTH WEEK. 151 

in wonder and astonishment at Thy great lov- 
ing-kindness. May a sense of Thy goodness 
to us lead us to gratitude and humility, to re- 
pentance, and to a mindfulness of our latter 
end; for we know not what is between us and 
the grave. 

Accept our sincere thanks for that freedom 
from pain, both of body and mind, which we 
have enjoyed during the past night. Many 
have spent the night in anguish and distress. 
Take pity on such, and in Thy good time re- 
lieve them ; and elevate all our hearts toward 
that time and place, when God shall wipe away 
all tears from our eyes, and there shall be no 
more death; neither sorrow nor crying; neither 
shall there be any more pain; the former things 
being forever passed away. Until this period 
come; until death, which leadeth unto it, may 
we all be kept in a waiting posture. May we 
watch as well as pray, that we be actually, as 
well as habitually, prepared for death; for 
blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, 
when He cometh, shall find watching. * * 

Now, unto Him, who supplieth all our need, 
according to His riches in glory, by Jesus 
Christ; to the Three that bear record in hea- 
ven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy 



152 FAMIL Y PR A YERS. 

Ghostj be honor and glory, thanksgiving and 
praise, for ever and ever. Amen. 



Saturday Evening, 

Lord, Thou art the God of all the families 
of the earth; but especially of those, in which 
Thy name is known, and loved, and honored. 
Whatever may be the disposition of others, we 
desire to say, As for us, and our house, we will 
serve the Lord. Thou art the best of all mas- 
ters; for Thou hast promised to bear with our 
infirmities, and to suffer us to want no good 
thing. Already hast Thou laid us under infi- 
nite obligations to Thee, as the God of provi- 
dence and the God of grace. Thou hast dealt 
well with Thy servants, Lord. Bless the 
Lord, our souls, and all that is within us, 
bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, our 
souls, and forget not all His benefits. 

By Thy good hand upon us, have we been 
conducted through the perils of another day, 
and also of another week. Whilst many, du- 
ring this period, have been exposed to hunger 
and cold, we have been fed and clothed by Thy 
bounty. Multitudes have also been suddenly 
called from time to eternity ; but God is still 



FOURTH WEEK, 153 

holding our souls in life. Night after night 
have we laid ourselves down to sleep, and we 
have awakened in the morning refreshed, for 
the Lord sustained us. For all this we would 
be thankful to Thee, Lord, who makest us 
to dwell in safety. But we would especially 
thank Thee, for the continuance of our spirit- 
ual privileges and comforts. Blessed be God, 
that our land is still the land of Gospel light 
and liberty; and that we can worship Thee, 
both in private and in public, without any one 
daring to disturb us, or make us afraid. 

May the daily reading of Thy word increase 
our spiritual knowledge, confirm our faith, and 
animate our hopes. Let our morning and eve- 
ning sacrifices keep us in a holy and watchful 
frame through the day, and dispose us to resign 
ourselves to Thy gracious keeping through the 
night. May the return of every Sabbath be 
looked forward to with increasing delight ! 
Make us thankful for the approach of the one 
which is now near at hand. Shouldst Thou be 
pleased in Thy goodness, and by Thine all-pro- 
tecting providence, to spare us to see the light 
of another morning, may we all be in the Spirit 
upon the Lord's day, and worship God, who is 
a Spirit, in spirit and in truth. Bless Thy min- 



154 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

istering servants in their studies and prepara- 
tion for the duties of the Sabbath. May they 
be as scribes, who are well instructed unto the 
kingdom of heaven, and bring forth out of the 
treasures of Thy word, things new and old. 
May they convince and convert sinners, and 
build up and comfort the saints. 

We once more commit to Thy care and keep- 
ing, our absent relatives and friends. Be mer- 
ciful to the sick and the afflicted everywhere. 
Have compassion upon a world lying in wick- 
edness. Send abroad Thy light and Thy truth 
unto the earth's remotest bound. Hasten the 
time, when the Jews, with the fulness of the 
Gentiles, shall be brought into Thy kingdom; 
and when Jesus shall reign in the hearts of the 
children of men. King of nations, as He now 
reigns King of saints. * * 

This night we again commit ourselves and 
all our concerns to Thy paternal care and keep- 
ing, in the hope of being raised up in the morn- 
ing, to see and enjoy another day of the Son 
of man. For His sake, we ask every blessing. 
And to Him, with Thee, O Father, and the 
Holy Spirit, be all glory, and praise, and hum- 
ble worship, forever. Amen. 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



COMMUNION SUNDAY. 
Morning. 

Holy and most gracious Lord our God ! 
Thou wilt by no means clear the guilty, yet 
Thou sparest those who confess their sins unto 
Thee. Look with compassion upon us, Thy 
unworthy servants, who are now humbled be- 
fore Thee, imploring Thy fatherly forgiveness. 
We acknowledge ourselves to be miserable sin- 
ners. We cannot set all our transgressions in 
order before Thee, nor confess them as truly as 
we ought to do. Yet we desire not to cloak 
and dissemble them before Thy face, trusting 
to Thy word, that if we confess our sins, Thou 
art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and 
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Be mercifal to us, we most humbly beseech 
Thee, in Jesus Christ Thy Son; for we put our 
whole trust and confidence in Thy mercy 

155 



156 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

through Him ; and not in anything that we do. 
We have destroyed ourselves ; but in Thee is 
our help. Save, Lord, or we perish; for there 
is salvation in no other. To whom else should 
we go? Thou only hast the words of eternal 
life. Grant unto us, Lord, we beseech Thee, 
pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed 
from all our sins. 

We praise Thee for the manifold blessings, 
with which Thou hast favored us, and espe- 
cially for the many opportunities we have en- 
joyed, of becoming wise unto salvation. What 
shall we render to Thee this day, for all the 
benefits Thou hast conferred upon us ? We 
will take of the cup of salvation, and call upon 
the name of the Lord. We will pay our vows 
in the courts of Thy house, and in the presence 
of all Thy people. * 

We give Thee humble and most hearty 
thanks, that Thou hast given us Thy Son, not 
only to die for us; but also to be our spiritual 
food and sustenance in the sacrament of His 
body and blood. Dispose our hearts this day 
to receive this sacrament religiously and de- 
voutly, in remembrance of His meritorious 
cross and passion; whereby alone we obtain 
the remission of our sins, and are made parta- 



COMMUNION SUNDA Y. 157 

kers of the kingdom of heaven. Teach us to 
consider properly the dignity of the holy mys- 
tery therein set forth, and so to search and ex- 
amine our own consciences, that we may come 
holy and clean to such a heavenly feast, in the 
wedding garment required by Thee in Thy 
holy Word, and may be received as worthy 
partakers at Thy holy table. May we spirit- 
ually eat the flesh and drink the blood of 
Christ. May we dwell in Him, and He in us. 
May His body, which was broken for us, and 
His precious blood, which was shed upon the 
cross, nourish and preserve our bodies and souls 
unto everlasting life. 

Mercifully extend unto all our fellow-crea- 
tures the inestimable benefits of Christ's suffer, 
ing and death. Give grace unto all Thy min- 
istering servants, that they may both by their 
life and doctrine, set forth Thy true and lively 
word, and rightly and duly administer Thy 
holy sacraments. May Thy heavenly grace be 
graciously imparted unto all Thy people, espe- 
cially unto such as shall this day assemble with 
us in Thy holy temple, and shall come to the 
holy communion of the body and blood of our 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Help them, before they 
eat of that bread and drink of that cup, dili- 
14 



158 OCCASIONAL PBAYEBS. 

gently to examine themselves, whether they 
truly repent of all their past sins, sincerely pur- 
pose to lead a new life, have a lively faith in 
Thy mercies through Christ, with a thankful 
remembrance of His death, and are in charity 
with all men. Look compassionately upon 
those, who are filled with groundless fears, lest 
they should eat and drink unworthily. May 
they hear and receive the comfortable words, 
which Christ, our Saviour, speaks unto all who 
truly turn unto Him. Help them to come 
unto Him, laboring and heavy laden on account 
of their sins, and so find rest unto their souls. 
Finally,, we beseech Thee, to have mercy 
upon such as shall unthankfully refuse to come 
to Thy table, though so earnestly and graciously 
called and bidden. May they take heed, lest, 
by withdrawing themselves from this holy sup- 
per of their Lord, they provoke His just indig- 
nation against them. Help them earnestly to 
consider how little their excuses will avail be- 
fore Thee, and may they, by Thy grace, be 
brought to a better mind, seriously remember- 
ing, that, if they eat not the flesh of the Son of 
Man, and drink not His blood, they have no 
life in them, and neither part nor lot in His 
salvation. 



COMMUNION 8UNDA Y. 159 

Grant us, Lord, these mercies, for the sake 
of Jesus Christ our only Lord and Saviour, in 
whose words we would further address Thee, as 
Our Father, &c. 



COMMUNION SUNDAY. 

Evening, 

Almighty God and everlasting Father ! Thou 
hast assured us, that, according to the multi- 
tude of Thy mercies. Thou didst so put away 
the sins of those who truly repent, as not to re- 
member them any more against them. We 
pray Thee, therefore, to look in mercy upon us, 
who earnestly desire Thy pardon and forgive- 
ness. Renew in us, whatsoever has been de- 
cayed through the workings of the evil one, 
and our own frailty and carnality. And foras- 
much as we place our full trust and confidence 
in Thee, impute not to us our manifold trans- 
gressions, but wash them away in the blood of 
Thy beloved Son. Receive us graciously into 
Thy favor. Sanctify and strengthen us by 
Thy Holy Spirit, and bring us at last into the 
kingdom of heaven, and to everlasting life. 

"We bless Thee for another day of sacred 
rest, and for all the blessings we have therein 



160 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

enjoyed. Above all, we give Thee humble and 
most hearty thanks for the redemption of the 
world by the death of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. May we always carry about 
with us a grateful remembrance of His exceed- 
ing great love to-us-ward, in dying for us, and 
of the innumerable benefits He hath obtained 
for us by His death, and also of His goodness 
and loving-kindness in instituting and ordain- 
ing holy ordinances as pledges of His love, to 
our great and endless comfort. Grant that we, 
who have this day eaten and drunken in Thy 
presence, may receive the strengthening and re- 
freshing of our souls by the body and blood of 
Christ. Help us to remember the solemn 
vows which we have this day renewed in Thy 
presence, and in the presence of all Thy people, 
and enable us faithfully to perform them. May 
we go forth into the world, bearing- about us 
the marks of a crucified Saviour. Having en- 
listed ourselves again under the banners of the 
Captain of our salvation, may we manfully fight 
the good fight of faith, and continue His faithful 
soldiers and servants unto the end of our lives. 
Grant that we may have power and strength 
to triumph over the devil, the world, and the 
flesh. May we be encouraged in our holy war- 



COMMUNION SUNDA Y. 161 

fare by the examples of the glorious company 
of the apostles, the goodly fellowship of the 
prophets, the noble army of martyrs, and all 
the holy Church triumphant, who have been 
made more than conquerors through Him, who 
loved them, and bought them with His blood. 

As Thou hast knit together Thine elect in 
one communion and fellowship, in the mystical 
body of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, grant 
us grace so to follow Thy blessed saints, in all 
virtuous and holy living, that we may enter 
into those unspeakable joys, which Thou hast 
prepared for them that unfeignedly love Thee. 
And when He shall come to be glorified in His 
saints, and to be admired in all them that be- 
lieve, may we sit down with Abraham, Isaac, 
and Jacob, and all Thy redeemed people, at the 
marriage supper of the Lamb. Grant, also, 
that all those who have waited on Thee this 
day in Thy holy temple, and around Thy ta- 
ble, may renew their spiritual strength. May 
all men see, that they are Thy disciples, by the 
love which they have one to another. Thou 
hast taught us, that all our doings without 
charity are of no value. Do Thou, therefore, 
send Thy Holy Spirit to pour into our hearts 
that most excellent gift of love, the very bond 

14* 



162 OCCASIONAL PEAYEBS. 

of peace and of all virtues, without which who- 
soever liveth is counted dead before Thee. 
Let there be no schism in the body of Christ; 
but let the members have a proper care of one 
another, knowing, that if any sin against their 
brother, and wound his weak conscience, they 
sin against Christ. 

And since the offence of the cross is not 
ceased, comfort and succor all those, who may 
in any way suffer from love to Thee and Thy 
cause. Hide them under Thy wing. Enable 
them to witness a good confession, and to give 
no just occasion to their enemies to blaspheme. 
By well-doing, may they put to silence the ig- 
norance of foolish men, in meekness instructing 
those that oppose themselves, if peradventure 
Thou may est give them repentance to the ac- 
knowledging of the truth. Convert the hearts 
of all those, who are thrusting away from them 
Thy great mercies ; especially of such as have 
this day neglected Thy ordinances, and turned 
aside from Thy table. And, if any have ap- 
peared before Thee wath unclean hands and 
unsanctified hearts, without the wedding gar- 
ment required by Thee, in Thy holy word, not 
discerning the Lord's body, may they search 
and examine their conscience and repent, lest, 



BAPTISM OF A CHILD, 163 

after partaking of this holy sacrament, they fall 
under the power of Satan, who shall fill them 
full of all iniquity and bring them to destruc- 
tion both of body and soul. 

We ask these blessings in the name of Jesus 
Christ our only Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



BAPTISM OF A CHILD. 

Morning, 

Thou, who art the God of all the families 
of the earth, and especially of those who fear 
Thee and honor Thy name! we come before 
Thee this morning in the attitude of suppliants 
and desire humbly to worship before Thy foot- 
stool. Help us to approach Thee with our 
whole hearts, and to present an offering which 
shall be acceptable to Thee, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 

We thank Thee, that Thou hast created us 
social beings, and especially that Thou hast 
brought us, who are now before Thee, together 
in the capacity of a family, and art permitting 
us to enjoy all the blessings, and comforts, 
and privileges, which belong to this interest- 
ing and important relation. May we all re- 
ceive grace and strength faithfully to perform 



184 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

the duties whicli we owe to each other, as well 
as those which devolve upon us in the several 
positions we occupy in life. We bless Thee for 
all the mercies Thou hast bestowed upon us as a 
family. Especially would we praise Thee for 
the addition which Thou hast lately made to it • 
and we pray that the child Thou hast given to 
Thy servants, may be spared as a blessing unto 
us, and may be acknowledged as one of Thy 
children. 

Encouraged by Thy promise and covenant, 
we would this day humbly give it up to Thee. 
Be Thou graciously pleased to assist us in the 
observance of Thy holy ordinance of baptism, 
in which we purpose to engage. Deliver us 
from formality and hypocrisy in this solemn 
service. Help us rightly to understand and 
duly to attend to its proper significance. May 
we ourselves be entirely Thine and be enabled^ 
in sincerity and in faith, to give up our little 
one unto Thee, earnestly desiring that it may 
be a partaker of the peculiar blessings of Thy 
gracious covenant, and firmly resolving, in the 
strength of Thy grace, to train it up for Thee. 
May Thy presence be with us, and Thy bless- 
ing upon us, in this solemn service, so that it 
may be made of great and lasting benefit to us 



BAPTISM OF A CHILD. 165 

and ours. Pour out Thy Spirit upon our seed, 
and Thy blessing upon our offspring, and grant 
that we, and those Thou hast given us, may be 
indeed members of Thy spiritual family, and at 
last admitted to dwell together in Thine house 
eternal in the heavens. 

Give us wisdom and grace to bring up our 
children in Thy fear, in the nurture and admo- 
nition of the Lord, with meekness and tender- 
ness, and having them in subjection with gra- 
vity. Teach us, that we may teach them the 
things of God, as they are able to bear them. 
Dispose us to reprove and admonish, and when 
there is need, to correct them in a proper man- 
ner. Help us to set them good examples of 
everything that is virtuous and praiseworthy. 
Enable us to train them up in the way they 
should go, that if they live to be old, they may 
never depart from it. Keep them from the evil 
to which they shall be exposed in the world. 
We earnestly pray that Christ may be formed 
in their hearts the hope of glory, and that we 
may have the satisfaction of seeing our children 
walking in the truth, and setting their faces 
heavenwards. 

If it should please Thee to remove any of 
them from us in their youth, give us grace sub- 



166 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

missively to resign them to Thee, and let us 
have hope in their death. If Thou shouldst 
take us from them while they are young, be a 
father to them, to teach and provide for them, 
Thou, in whom the fatherless find mercy. 
Thou knowest our care concerning them. Ena- 
ble us to cast it upon Thee, believing that 
Thou carest for them. 

We pray for all the families of the earth. 
Confer upon them and their several members, 
the blessings they respectively need. May they 
all learn to trust in Thee, the living and true 
God, and to seek from Thee the supply of all 
their wants, both temporal and spiritual. 

Accept our grateful acknowledgments for the 
mercies of the past night. May Thy gracious 
presence attend us through all the duties and 
privileges of this day; and grant us grace and 
strength so to conduct ourselves in all things, 
that at last w^e shall be enabled to render our 
account unto Thee with joy and not with grief. 
These blessings we ask, and whatsoever else is 
needful for us, in the name and for the sake of 
Him, who hast taught us, when addressing 
Thee, to say, Our Father, &c. 



BAPTISM OF A CHILD, 167 

BAPTISM OF A CHILD 

Evening. 

We appear before Thee, Lord, this evening, 
once more as worshipers, and would lift our 
eyes and our hearts to the place where Thine 
honor dwelleth. We rejoice in the privilege of 
access to Thee, and in the encouragement af- 
forded us to avail ourselves of it. Regard us 
in mercy, and bestow upon us the blessings our 
condition and wants rec[uixe. 

We thank Thee for the goodness and mercy, 
with which Thou hast followed us throughout 
our lives ; but especially for the blessings and 
privileges of the past day. Thou hast therein 
favored us with the comforts and conveniences 
of this present life, and also with everything 
essential to our true interests in the life to 
come. Thou knowest to what extent we have 
improved, in the midst of them all, to the 
honor and glory of Thy great and excellent 
name. Forgive everything Thou hast seen 
amiss, and own and bless whatsoever has been 
in accordance with Thy will. 

Especially, accept of the solemn act of devo- 
tion in which we have this day been engaged, 
in dedicating our little one to Thee, in the 



168 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

holy ordinance of baptism. Hear the prayers 
which have been presented in behalf of this 
childj and all the members of our family. Help 
us to remember that the vows of God are upon 
us^ and enable us conscientiously to fulfill 
them. Incline our hearts to attend to the in- 
structions and exhortations, which have been 
addressed to us, respecting our duty as Chris- 
tians, as heads of a family, and as parents. 
Let us not be wanting in the use of .any proper 
means for the temporal and eternal benefit of 
our offspring. May we diligently provide for 
those of our own house, and above all things, 
may we be attentive to their immortal interests. 
Give us that wisdom and resolution we so much 
need in the education of infant minds, and in 
the right government of the family committed 
to our care. Whatever others do, may we and 
ours resolve to serve the Lord. May we com- 
mand our children and household after us, to 
keep Thy ways. May Thy grace assist, and 
Thy blessing succeed us, in all our attempts 
for Thy glory, and the eternal welfare of the 
precious souls committed to our trust. May we 
be the honored instruments of training up a 
godly seed, and of bringing many sons and 
daughters to glory. 



BAPTIS3I OF A CHILD, 169 

Bless the child which has this day been in- 
corporated into the Ciiarch of the living God, 
by the ordinance of baptism. Grant, that as 
its name has thus been registered on the 
Church-book on earth, so may, it also be en- 
tered upon the Lamb's book of eternal life. 
Eatify in heaven, what has been done in Thy 
name on earth. May this child ever live before 
Thee ! If Thou shouldst remove it in infancy, 
may we cheerfully resign it to Thee, from whom 
we have received it, remembering that the 
Lord who gave it, has a right to take it away. 
If its life be spared, may it be a comfort to us, 
and a blessing to the world and the Church. 
Preserve it from the snares of a wicked world 
into which it has been born. Early sanctify it 
by Thy grace, and train it up for Thine hea- 
venly kingdom. ^ 

Bless the rising generation in general, and 
the children of this family in particular. Grant 
that they may be a seed to serve Thee. And 
at the last great day, may we meet them with 
comfort at the right hand of Christ, saying. 
Lord, here are we, and the children whom 
Thou hast given us. 

Our prayers are before Thee, Lord ! Grant 
us the desires of our hearts, so far as they ac- 
15 



170 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

cord with Thy will. Forgive whatsoever is 
amiss. And at last, when Thou hast done 
with us on earth, receive us all to the enjoy- 
ment of Thyself in glory, through riches of 
grace in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 



PUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 

Morning. 

Unto Thee, Thou Great Parent of good, 
the blessed fountain of light, joy, and comfort, 
we desire to ascribe all glory. Thou art essen- 
tially love. The earth is full of Thy goodness, 
and Thy tender mercies are over all Thy 
works. Thou feedest the young ravens when 
they cry, and givest the beasts of the field 
their meat. 

But special cause have we, to praise Thee 
for Thy goodness to man, whom Thou hast 
made but a little lower than the angels; 
crowned with glory and honor, and formed 
with capacities to know, serve, and enjoy Thee, 
the Supreme good. We thank Thee that our 
lines have fallen to us in such pleasant places, 
and that we have so goodly a heritage ; that 
Thou hast fed and clothed and provided for us, 
not the necessaries only, but also many of the 



PUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 171 

comforts and conveniences of life; and that 
Thou hast been our deliverer in danger, and 
helper in trouble, and our guide in darkness. 
We would adore that goodness, which has been 
our protection the past night, in the defenceless 
hours of sleep and darkness, and causes the 
day-spring to know its place. 

But, especially, blessed be the God and Fa- 
ther of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we are 
blessed with spiritual blessings, in heavenly 
things in Christ. Glory to God in the highest, 
that there is on earth, peace, and good-will to 
the children of men. We thank Thy mercy, 
that the joyful sound has reached our ears; 
that we enjoy an accepted time; that we have 
been favored with so many instructions and 
motives to lead us to the knowledge, and to 
quicken us to the practice, of our duty; and 
that, notwithstanding all our unfruitfulness, 
our candle-stick is not yet removed out of its 
place. Oh that Thy goodness might lead us to 
repentance, and that Thou wouldst enlarge our 
hearts to praise Thy sovereign love for all Thy 
rich mercies. Not unto us, Lord, but unto 
Thy name, be all the praise. 

Prepare our hearts to unite with Thy people 
this day, in grateful offerings for private and 



172 OCCASIONAL PBAYEES, 

public mercies. We thank Thee^ that we have 
our favored lot in the land where Thy churches 
are planted; where civil and religious liberty 
abounds; and where we are favored with the 
means of useful knowledge, and the blessings 
of civil government. We offer Thee our grate- 
ful acknowledgments in particular, for the 
mercy which has crowned the present year; 
that we are permitted to enjoy such measures 
of health, peace, and plenty; and that Thou 
hast caused the earth to yield its increase, and 
the trees their fruit, and hast so liberally sup- 
plied the wants of Thy numerous offspring. 
Oh help us to praise Thee aright for Thy good- 
ness, and for Thy wonderful works to the chil- 
dren of men; and may Thy mercy and loving- 
kindness be evermore continued. 

Preside Thou in all the great Councils of our 
nation. Bless the President of these United 
States, and all in places of subordinate trust. 
Let not the wicked bear rule, nor the vile be 
exalted. Let no root of bitterness spring up to 
trouble us. Lay Thy restraints on the strong 
corruptions of the heart, and dispose Thy peo- 
ple to a due subjection to lawful authority, not 
for wrath, but for conscience' sake. Bless this 
State, and the government more immediately 



PUBLIC THANKSGIVING, 173 

over us. Bless all means for the advancement 
of knowledge, and the useful arts. And may Thy 
blessingj which maketh rich, rest upon our bas- 
ket, our store, and on all the labors of our hands. 

But above all, we pray that Thou wouldst 
rain down righteousness upon us. Cause pure 
and undefiled religion to revive; and may Zion 
rise from the dust, and put on her beautiful 
garments. Be with the ministers of Thine 
everlasting Gospel; and may their hands be 
made strong by the hands of the mighty God 
of Jacob. Extend the kingdom of the Ke- 
deemer to the remotest ends of the earth; and 
under the influence of that religion which is 
love, may war everywhere cease among men, 
and all the members of this Thy great family, 
unite in brotherly love. 

Establish Thy precious covenant with us of 
this family, and to all Thy gifts, wilt Thou add 
a grateful heart. Prepare us and all Thy peo- 
ple for the public solemnities of this day; and 
may we so offer praise that we may glorify 
God. "We commit ourselves, God, and all 
for whom we ought to pray, to Thy infinite 
mercy in Christ Jesus, to whom with the Fa- 
ther, and the Spirit of truth, be all praise 
through everlasting ages. Amen. 

15* 



174 OCCASIONAL PEAYEBS. 

PUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 

Evening. 

Lord God of hosts! Thou art a God merci- 
ful and gracious ; slow to anger, of great kind- 
ness, and forgiving iniquity. Under this en- 
dearing character, we sinners, desire to ap- 
proach Thy mercy-seat, imploring Thy grace, 
and blessing Thy great and glorious name, for 
all that goodness, which Thou hast caused to 
pass before us. Accept our repeated thanks 
for all our public, domestic, and personal bless- 
ings and privileges; for that goodness, which 
has attended us thus far in the journey of life, 
and of which we have had fresh experience in 
the abundant supplies and blessings of the pre- 
sent year. Our fathers have told us of Thy 
works of old, and our eyes have seen Thy sal- 
vation. Thy mercy, Lord, endures forever. 

We would render Thee special thanks, 
Father of mercies, for the unspeakable gift of 
Thy Son to a guilty world, and for that Gospel 
which brings life and immortality to light. Im.- 
press us, we pray Thee, with some suitable 
sense of Thy great, numberless, and undeserved 
favors. Permit us not to abuse all these pre- 
cious privileges, and pervert them to our aggra- 



PUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 175 

vated destruction ; nor to dishonor our almighty 
Friend and Benefactor. May such a sense of 
Thy rich grace impress our hearts as shall 
quicken us to duty, and restrain us from every 
thing offensive to Thee. In view of Thy great 
goodness to us, most unworthy sinners, may we 
be disposed to be merciful, as our Father who 
is in heaven, is merciful. May we love to do 
good; be ready to distribute, willing to commu- 
nicate, and disposed to forgive our enemies. 
We humbly implore the continuance of Thy 
mercy and kindness. Mercifully remove from 
us our sins, and let them not awaken Thy just 
wrath. Foolishness is bound up in our hearts, 
and we are bent to backslide; but with Thee 
there is forgiveness. Forgive not only our 
sins, but also the sins of our land; and let wis- 
dom and knowledge, be the stability of our 
times, and the fear of the Lord our treasure. 

Continue to be the Guardian and Benefactor 
of our land. Not in the wisdom of man, or an 
arm of flesh, but in the Lord of hosts, would 
we put our trust. Continue our peace, and in- 
crease our prosperity. Scatter every dark 
cloud which hangs over us. Bless all in places 
of public trust. Make them faithful, and may 
they receive from the fountain of light, all 



176 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

needful direction. May agriculture, commerce, 
and useful arts flourish among us; and air in- 
stitutions for promoting knowledge, enjoy Thy 
gracious smiles. Be with those that go down 
to the sea in ships. May they behold the 
works of the Lord there, and His wonders in 
the deep, and be brought to their desired ha- 
ven. 

Bless the State, to whose government we are 
more particularly subject. May all in the exe- 
cutive, legislative, and judicial departments, 
see and pursue our true interests, and be made 
ministers of God for good. And we pray, that 
a spirit of order, frugality, temperance, and 
submission to lawful authority, may prevail 
among us. May the richer blessings of Thy 
grace be ours. Teach transgressors Thy ways, 
and let the children of Zion be glad in their 
King. Dispose Thy people to inquire after 
Thee, and hear those who pray for the peace 
of Jerusalem. Give Thy Son the heathen for 
His inheritance, and the uttermost part of the 
earth for His possession; and may the time 
speedily come, when they shall no longer hurt 
or destroy, in all Thy holy mountain. 

Dwell in this, and every other vicinity. 
Supply destitute flocks with pastors after Thine 



PUBLIC THANKSGIVING, 177 

own heart, and send forth faithful laborers into 
Thy vineyard. May the candle of the Lord 
ever shine around our dwellings, and let each 
of us see the salvation of God. Accept, most 
gracious God, our thanks for whatever of Thy 
goodness we have this day experienced; for 
the many bounties of Thy Providence, and the 
joyful occasion and opportunity we have had 
to unite with Thy people, in public ascriptions 
of praise. Bless these means to awaken our 
hearts to gratitude. Accept our poor attempts 
to serve Thee ; and may we ever live to the 
glory of our Benefactor. We ask Thy care 
and protection this night. Give us the rest of 
Thy beloved. May goodness and mercy follow 
us all the days of our lives; and prepare us to 
join in the new song of Thy redeemed in hea- 
ven, ascribing to the Father, Son and Spirit, 
glory without end. Amen. 



178 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. 

Morning. 

Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty! we 
adore Thee as the sovereign Lord and proprie- 
tor of the universe, by whom all things in hea- 
ven and on earth were created, and are con- 
stantly upheld and supported. We are Thy 
creatures, and acknowledge ourselves under in- 
finite and increasing obligations to love, serve, 
and obey Thee. All we have is Thine, and all 
we can render to Thee is our most reasonable 
service. Thy law is holy, just, and good, and 
in all Thou requirest, Thou hast united our 
duty and happiness. 

We acknowledge, Lord, that we have 
most wickedly and ungratefully departed from 
Thee ; and that God, in whose hand our breath 
is, and whose are all our ways, we have not 
glorified. We confess ourselves utterly vile, 
and altogether unclean in Tliy sight. All the 
faculties of our souls have become polluted by 
sin. Our understandings are dark; and our 
wills rebellious, and our affections so depraved, 
that we have loved and served the creature 
more than the Creator. The carnal mind, 
which naturally reigns within us is enmity to 



DA Y OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. 179 

God ; and this corrupt fountain has defiled all 
our actions. We have hated instruction, and 
despised reproof; have abused Thy goodness 
and disregarded Thy warnings, and by our un- 
thankfulness, incorrigibleness, and disobedience, 
are we continually provoking Thee to come 
against us in Thy wrath. If Thou shouldst 
mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But 
with Thee there is forgiveness, and we have 
Thy most gracious promise, that he, who con- 
fesses and forsake th his sin, shall find mercy. 
We desire now to take hold of Thy merciful 
encouragement, acknowledging ourselves with- 
out excuse; and hating and renouncing our 
evil thoughts and ways, we would cast our- 
selves helpless and guilty upon the arms of 
Thy mercy, begging, that, for the sake of Thy 
Son, Thou wouldst blot out our transgressions, 
and not enter into judgment with us. 

As this day has been set apart for humilia- 
tion and prayer, we ask Thee to pour upon us 
and all Thy people, a spirit of grace and sup- 
plication, of repentance and reformation. Give 
us an affecting sight of the hatefulness of sin. 
May we rend our hearts and not our garments, 
and break off our sins, by working righteous- 
ness, that we may keep this day in such a man- 



180 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

ner as shall be pleasing to Thee. Prepare us 
for the blessings of true penitents, and enable 
all Thy people to bring forth fruits meet for re- 
pentance, by forsaking the ways of sin. May 
we especially be enabled to exercise ourselves 
properly, in regard to the particular events, 
which have more especially occasioned the set- 
ting apart of this day. Do Thou cause .the 
wickedness of the wicked to come to an end. 

May the Redeemer come to Zion, and turn 
away ungodliness from Jacob, and let the con- 
verts of righteousness be greatly multiplied. 
"Withdraw not, we beseech Thee, the tokens of 
Thy favor from the land in which we dwell. 
Remove the judgments we feel. Preserve us 
from those we justly fear. May the mercies 
we enjoy be continued, and those we need be 
bestowed. Rule in the hearts of our rulers. 
Counsel our counsellors, and give our senators 
wisdom. Preserve us from internal disorder, 
and from foreign injury and invasion. 

Bless us when we go out, and when we come 
in. May the voice of health and rejoicing be 
heard in all habitations. Open Thy bountiful 
hand, and supply the wants of Thy numerous 
offspring, whose eyes are waiting on Thee for 
the supplies they need. Cause the earth to 



DA Y OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION, 181 

bring forth grass for the cattle, and herb for the 
service of man. Continue Thy blessed Gospel 
among us, and may every heart welcome the 
joyful sound. Fill the world with Thy glory 
and the rich favor of Thy grace. 

Will God accept our thanks for all the public 
and private blessings bestowed on such unwor- 
thy creatures as we are. We thank Thee for 
the quiet and refreshing rest of the past night, 
and the light and comforts of this morning. 
May we this day be directed and preserved in 
all our ways. Fit us for the duties of Thy pub- 
lic worship. Prepare a word for our hearts, 
and our hearts to receive it. May we, and Thy 
people, present before God the sacrifice of a 
broken and contrite heart; and may it espe- 
cially be the concern of us all to humble our- 
selves properly before Thee. 

Without any merit or worthiness of our own, 
we offer Thee our requests, through the media- 
tion of our exalted High Priest, to whom, with 
the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be equal 
honors and everlasting praises. Amen. 



16 



182 OCCASIONAL PEAYEBS. 

DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. 

Evening. 

Thou, Lord, art a great God, and a great 
King above all gods. The heavens, even the 
heavens are Thine, and all their hosts. The 
earth is Thine, and the fulness thereof; the 
world and they who dwell therein. Thou art 
of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, neither 
shall evil dwell with Thee. Thou art also 
good, and doest good, delighting in mercy. We 
are the witnesses and monuments of Thy good- 
ness; for it is of Thy mercy^ that we are not 
consumed. It is infinite mercy, which gives us 
leave to pray, and to hope for Thy forgiveness. 
Blessed be God for the blood which cleanse th 
from all sin; for that perfect righteousness, 
which justifieth the ungodly. As sinners, we 
now present ourselves before Thee, pleading for 
mercy and forgiving grace. We desire to for- 
sake every false refuge, and to lay open our 
guilt and wretchedness. 

Thou, God, hast been a constant witness 
of all the follies of our youth and the sins of 
our riper years. How great has been the pride, 
the unbelief, and the obstinacy of our hearts! 
We have been lovers of pleasure, more than 



DA Y OF PUBLIC HUMILIA TIOK 183 

lovers of God. We have said to the gold, thou 
art our hope, and to the fine gold thou art our 
confidence. We have been walking in the 
ways of our own hearts, and in the sight 
of our own eyes, while we have been practi- 
cally saying to God, Depart from us; for we 
desire not the knowledge of Thy ways. We 
confess, that this, our wickedness, has been ag- 
gravated, by all the counsels and warnings, the 
light and love, the vows and promises, against 
which we have sinned. Under this load of 
guilt, we now make our humble flight to Thy 
throne of mercy, seeking pardon through the 
blood of atonement. 

To Thee, God, we would also bring our 
wretched hearts, begging Thee to form them 
anew by Thy Holy Spirit. May we turn with 
abhorrence from all sin. Let nothing appear 
small by which God is offended, or the soul is 
destroyed. And may we, and all Thy people, 
prove the sincerity of our repentance, by try- 
ing our hearts and ways, and turning unto the 
Lord. Oh that thoughtless multitudes might 
have their attention awakened to inquire what 
they shall do to be saved; and may those, who 
are striving against sin, never be weary, nor 
faint in their minds. Succeed a preached Gos- 



184 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

pel. May it everywhere be attended with the 
demonstration of the Spirit, and with power. 

Let glory dwell in our land. Preserve our 
national rights; and may the civil and religious 
privileges we enjoy, be transmitted to our pos- 
terity. Make our rulers public benefactors. 
Let not the things of our political peace be ever 
hidden from their eyes ; and may we feel the 
importance of entrusting our national concerns 
to those, who fear God and hate covetousness. 
Bless our colleges and literary institutions. 
May streams flow from these fountains, which 
shall make glad the city of our God. Smile upon 
us with respect to the seasons. Give us a suit- 
able seed-time, and a plentiful harvest. Favor 
us with the former and latter rains. Preserve 
us from destructive frosts, devouring insects, 
blasting mildew, and all the ministers of divine 
wrath. Protect us also against sickness and 
pestilential disease. 

May things ever go well with us. Dispose 
Thy people to the practice of all those duties, 
on which the welfare of society depends. Re- 
strain a spirit of faction and division. Subdue 
that selfishness, which produces perilous times. 
And may that righteousness, which exalte th a 
nation, be promoted. Regard our wretched 



DA Y OF PUBLIC HUMILIA TION. 185 

world with pity. Be the defender of the right- 
eous cause, and in Thee may the helpless find 
an almighty friend. Still the commotions of 
the earth, and defeat the purposes of those, 
who are taking counsel against the Lord, or the 
welfare of society. 

Accept our thanks for the outward mercies 
and religious privileges, we have this day en- 
joyed. Our prayers need pardon, and our tears 
the blood of sprinkling to wash them. Seal 
instruction on our hearts. Impress us with a 
deeper sense of the evil and destructive nature 
of sin; and as we have confessed, so help us to 
forsake our sins. Will God bless and build up 
our family ! Whatever we are denied of pre- 
sent things, deny us not an interest in Thy fa- 
vor, which is better than life. May we lie 
down this night, pardoned and accepted. May 
we sleep in safety and awake in peace; and in 
Thy due time, admit us to dwell in Thy pre- 
sence, where there is fulness of joy, and at Thy 
right hand, where are pleasures forever, there 
to render those ceaseless praises, which are due 
to the King Eternal, Immortal, and Invisible, 
to whom be honor and glory forever. Amen. 



16* 



186 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

CHRISTMAS. 
Morning. 

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ! we humbly beseech Thee to accept our 
hearty thanks for the manifold mercies which 
Thou hast conferred upon us. We bless Thee, 
especially, for sending Thy well-beloved Son, 
to take our nature upon Him, and to be made 
in the likeness of sinful ^esh. We rejoice that 
unto us a Child was born; that unto us a Son 
is given. And we would join the multitude 
of the heavenly host, in ascribing glory to Thee 
in the highest; peace on earth, and good will 
toward men. We praise Thee for revealing to 
us the way, in which mercy and truth have met 
together ; in which righteousness and peace 
have kissed each other. And we account it a 
faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 
that Jesus Christ came into the world to save 
sinners. 

Help us, God, to employ this day in medi- 
tating on this great mystery of godliness, God 
manifest in the flesh, which Thy holy angels 
desire to look into. And as, when Thou didst 
bring Thy first begotten into the world, Thou 
didst command all the heavenly host to wor- 



CHRISTMAS. 187 

ship Him, so may we give unto Him the glory 
which is due unto His name. Thou great 
and glorious Redeemer, who art Wonderful, 
Counsellor, the Almighty God, the Everlasting 
Father, the Prince of Peace, we praise Thee; 
we bless Thee; we worship Thee; we glorify 
Thee; we give thanks to Thee for Thy great 
glory, Lord God, Lamb of God, the only be- 
gotten Son, Jesus Christ, King of kings, and 
Lord of lords, Immanuel, God with us. For 
Thou only art holy. Thou only art the Lord. 
Thou only, Christ, with the Holy Ghost, 
art most high in the glory of God the Fa- 
ther. 

But chiefly, at this time, we adore Thee for 
leaving the glory, which Thou hadst with the 
Father before the world began. "We know Thy 
grace, Lord Jesus Christ, that though Thou 
wast rich, yet for our sakes Thou didst become 
poor, that we, through Thy poverty, might be 
made rich. We beseech Thee, by the mystery 
of Thy holy incarnation and nativity, good 
Lord, deliver us. Son of David, have mercy 
upon us. Thou, who didst come that we might 
have life, and might have it more abundantly, 
be gracious unto us. Thou who wast called 
Jesus, that Thou mightest save Thy people 



188 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

from their sins, save us and help us, we hum- 
bly beseech Thee, Lord. 

And give unto us grace, Almighty God, that 
we may cast away the works of darkness, and 
put upon us the armor of light, now in the 
"time of this mortal life, in which Thy Son, 
Jesus Christ, came to visit us in great humility. 
As He came not to be ministered unto, but to 
minister, and hath left us as an example to do 
unto others as He hath done unto us, so may 
we learn to take His yoke upon us, and to learn 
of Him, who was meek and lowly in heart, that 
we may find rest unto our souls. Grant, that 
we, being regenerate and made Thy children 
by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed 
by Thy Holy Spirit, and follow the blessed 
steps of His most holy life; ever remembering, 
that He gave Himself for us, to redeem us from 
all iniquity, and to purify us unto Himself a 
peculiar people, zealous of good works. 

Grant us, Lord, Thy special blessing this 
day. Have compassion also, on those, who 
have never heard of the coming of our blessed 
Lord in the flesh. In Him who hath arisen to 
rule over the Gentiles, let the Gentiles trust, 
and find His rest to be glorious. Mercifully 
with Thy favor look upon the whole Christian 



CHRISTMAS. 189 

world. May all that name the name of Christ, 
depart from iniquity. Especially preserve them 
from turning this season into an occasion of re- 
vellings and unholy mirth. Let them rejoice, 
as Christians, in Christ their Saviour; and let 
Thy grace teach them to deny all ungodliness 
and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, right- 
eously, and godly, in this present world. 

And, as at Thy first coming, Lord Jesus 
Christ, Thou didst send Thy messengers to pre- 
pare the way before Thee, we humbly beseech 
Thee, finally, to grant, that the ministers and 
stewards of Thy mysteries, may likewise so pre- 
pare and make ready Thy way, by turning the 
hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the 
just, that, at Thy second coming to judge the 
world, we may be found an acceptable people 
in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
in whose name we further pray : 

Our Father, &c. 



190 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

CHRISTMAS. 
Evening. 

holy and merciful God ! Thou art of purer 
eyes than to behold iniquity, and yet long-suf- 
fering toward sinners. We would approach 
Thy throne, acknowledging our unworthiness, 
and placing our whole trust and confidence in 
the promises, which Thou hast made unto us 
in Christ Jesus our Lord. We have greatly 
provoked Thee to anger by our manifold of- 
fences; and were not judgment Thy strange 
work, we should long since have received at 
Thy hands the just rewards of our evil doings. 
But Thou givest the highest manifestations of 
Thy almighty power in showing mercy and 
pity. Thou hast stretched forth the right hand 
of Thy majesty to avenge Thee of Thine ene- 
mies; but with Thine own arm Thou hast 
wrought out redemption for us. Thou hast not 
sent Thy Son into the world to condemn the 
world, but that the world through Him might 
be saved. 

We bless Thee for revealing to us this great 
mystery, which was hid for ages and genera- 
tions, but is now made manifest unto the sons 
of men. We rejoice that unto us was born a 



CHRISTMAS. 191 

Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Our souls 
do magnify the Lord, and our spirits do re- 
joice in God our Saviour. Hosanna to the 
Son of David ! Blessed be He that cometh in 
the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the high- 
est ! Blessed be Thou, the God of Israel, for 
visiting and redeeming Thj people, and rais- 
ing up a horn of salvation for them; for per- 
forming the promise made unto their fathers, 
and for remembering Thy holy covenant. 
Praised be Thy name for sending forth, in the 
fulness of time. Thy only begotten Son, made 
of a woman, made under the law, that we 
might receive the adoption of sons. Glory be 
unto Thee, for causing Thy loving-kindness to- 
ward us to appear. Not by works of righteous- 
ness, which we have done, but according to 
Thy mercy. Thou hast saved us. 

Thou, who wast in Christ reconciling the 
world unto Thyself, not imputing their tres- 
passes unto them, forgive us ail our trespasses. 
Through Him, who was made in the likeness 
of sinful flesh, and came to seek and to save 
that which was lost, have mercy upon us. By 
the mystery of His hofy incarnation and na- 
tivity, good Lord, deliver us. And, since Thy 
beloved Son was manifested, that he might de- 



192 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

stroy the works of the devil, to make us the 
children of God, and heirs of eternal life, grant, 
we beseech Thee, that, having this hope, we 
may purify ourselves, even as He is pure ; and 
that, when He shall come again, in power and 
great glory, we may be made like unto Him, in 
His eternal and glorious kingdom. But who 
may abide the day of His coming? And who 
may stand when He appeareth? Thou com- 
passionate and faithful High Priest, partaker 
of our flesh and blood, who wast in all points 
tempted like as we, yet without sin, and art 
not ashamed to call us brethren, have pity 
upon our infirmities ; and grant unto us, that 
we, being delivered out of the hands of our 
enemies, may serve Thee, without fear, in holi- 
ness and righteousness before Thee, all the 
days of our life. 

Fill our hearts with love to Thee for the un- 
speakable gift, which Thou didst condescend 
to bestow upon a sinful world; and dispose us 
always most thankfully to receive it. Let the 
same mind also, be in us, which was in Christ 
Jesus; who, being in the form of God, and 
thinking it not robbery to be equal with God, 
yet made Himself of no reputation, and took 
upon Him the form of a servant, and was 



CHRISTMAS, 193 

found in fashion as a man, a man of sorrows 
and acquainted with grief! Help us continu- 
ally to follow the example of His great hu- 
mility. In lowliness of mind, may we esteem 
others better than ourselves. And give, us 
grace so to walk in all holiness of living, that 
we may not be ashamed before Him at His 
coming. 

We pray likewise, heavenly Father, that 
through Thy tender mercies, the Day-Spring 
from on high, which hath visited us, may arise, 
and shine upon the nations that are sitting in 
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide 
their feet into the way of peace. Grant, that 
it may be both a light to lighten the Gentiles, 
and the glory of Thy people Israel. And maj^ 
none of those, who behold it, love darkness 
rather than light, because their deeds are evil. 

Raise up faithful and able ministers of the 
New Testament, to go before the face of the 
Lord, to prepare His ways, to give knowledge 
of salvation to His people, by the remission of 
their sins. Pour down Thy grace and heavenly 
benediction upon all who are called Christians. 
May the children of Zion be joyful in their 
King ! And may they so truly follow the 
blessed steps of their Lord and Master, that 



194 OCCASIONAL PBAYEB8. 

they may be saved by Him in the great day of 
His appearing and glory. Grant this for Jesus 
Christ's sake, our only Lord and Saviour. 
Our Father, &c. 



LAST DAY OF THE YEAR. 

Evening. 

Thou, Lord, hast been our refuge, and our 
dwelling place in all generations. Before the 
mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou 
hadst formed the earth and the world, even 
from everlasting to everlasting Thou art God. 
A thousand years in Thy sight are but as yes- 
terday, when it is past, and as a watch of the 
night. But as for man, his days are as grass ; 
as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth ; for 
the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and 
the place thereof knoweth it no more. 

In appearing before Thee this evening, we 
are vividly reminded of these solemn truths. 
Through Thy good Providence over us have we 
been brought to the close not only of another 
day, but also of another year. Since we were 
last found in similar circumstances, many of 
our fellow-creatures, and some too who were 
near and dear to our hearts, have been sum- 



LAST DA Y OF THE YEAR. I95 

moned to the eternal world. Great have been 
the changes which have been wrought by 
deatli. We, however, have been preserved ; 
and are the living this night to praise Thee. 
Blessed be the God of salvation, to whom 
belong the issues from death, that we are yet 
in the regions of hope ; that we have yet an 
accepted time, and a day of salvation ; and 
that our opportunities of doing good, are still 
continued. 

We would this night survey the mercies of 
the past year, with grateful hearts. Thou hast 
been with us in the midst of dangers seen and 
unseen, and safely brought us through them all. 
We have had our trials and afflictions ; but 
thanks be to Thy name, they have been com- 
paratively few in number, short in duration, 
alleviated in degree, merciful in design, and in- 
structive and useful in their results. Thou 
hast not dealt with us after our sins, nor re- 
warded us according to our iniquities. What a 
series of bounties and blessings present them- 
selves to our minds, when we look back upon 
the year through which we have passed ; and 
to what, but to Thine unmerited goodness in 
the Son of Thy love, are we indebted for them 
all. We have been favored with health and 



196 OCCASIONAL PRA YEBS. 

strength, food and raiment, and a comfortable 
place of abode ; we have enjoyed the pleasures 
and comforts afforded by the society of friends 
and kindred, neighbors and acquaintances ; 
yea, every day, hour, and moment of our 
lives, has been witness to Thy kindness and 
care. 

We would especially acknowledge Thy good- 
ness, in continuing to us the means of grace. 
Whatever else may at any time have been 
denied us, we have been richly favored with 
the provisions of Thy house. Thy holy Sab- 
baths have been continued, with all the bles- 
sings and privileges peculiar to them in a 
Christian land. Our ears have heard the joy- 
ful sound of the Gospel ; and our hearts have 
often said. Lord, it is good for us to be here. 
We would praise Thee also, for the success, 
which has attended the efforts put forth for the 
spread of the Gospel. The means of grace 
have been accompanied with the influences of 
the Holy Spirit, and made effectual in the 
salvation of sinners. Oh that thou wouldst 
give still further success to Thy cause, and 
bring on speedily the period, when Thy glory 
shall cover the earth, as the waters do the 
great deep ! 



LAST JJA Y OF THE YEAR. 197 

And whilst we gratefully record Thy good- 
ness to us, we would not forget our sinfulness 
and un worthiness. We acknowledge, that, in 
the midst of Thy manifold acts of loving-kind- 
ness, we have been disobedient and unthankful. 
Well may we exclaim. Who can understand his 
errors? How many duties have we neglected 
or improperly performed ! To what little pur- 
pose have we redeemed our time, or improved 
our talents ! How little have we been alive to 
Thy glory, or sought, or even seized, when pre- 
sented, opportunities of serving our generation ! 
How unprofited have we been under the richest 
means of religious prosperity ! and, when for 
the time we ought to be able to teach others, 
we need to be again taught ourselves, what are 
the first principles of the oracles of God. Be 
merciful to us sinners, God. Pardon our ini- 
quity ; for it is great. Cleanse us from all un- 
righteousness ; and work in us to will and to 
do of Thy good pleasure. Let us not carry 
one of our past sins with us into the new year, 
unrepented of, unbewailed, and unabhorred. 
With a new portion of time, may we also have 
new hearts, and become new creatures. 

If during the coming year we should die — ■ 
and in the midst of life, we are in death — may 

17* 



198 OCCASIONAL PEAYERS. 

death prove an eternal gain. But if our days 
are prolonged, may we walk before the Lord in 
the land of the living, and show forth all Thy 
praise. The number of our months is with 
Thee. In Thy hand our breath is, and Thine 
are all our ways. Prepare us for whatever 
awaits us, and bring us safely through it all 
unto the rest, that remains for Thy people. 
We ask all in the name, and for the sake of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in whose 
words we address Thee, as 
Our Father, &c. 

FIEST DAY OF THE YEAR. 

Morning. 

Thou, Lord, hast of old laid the foundar 
tion of the earth, and the heavens are the work 
of Thy hands. They shall perish, but Thou 
shalt endure; yea, all of them shall wax old 
like a garment; as a vesture shalt Thou change 
them and they shall be changed ; but Thou art 
the same and Thy years shall have no end. 
We bless Thee, that, amidst all the vicissitudes 
and dangers to which we are subject. Thou 
makest our lives Thy care. Hitherto the Lord 
hath helped us. Through Thy good hand upon 



FIRST DA Y OF THE YEAR. 199 

US, have our eyes been permitted to open upon 
the light of another morning and the com- 
mencement of another year. We desire this 
day to call to remembrance the years of the 
right hand of the Most High. Goodness and 
mercy have followed us all the days of our 
lives. We would again particularly call to 
mind the mercies of the past year. We are 
the living, the living to praise Thee, as we do 
this day. Blessed be God for all the mercies, 
personal and relative, temporal and spiritual, 
with which the year has been crowned. 

We also humbly lament the sins of the past 
year, as well as all the former sins of our lives. 
We beseech Thee, of Thine infinite mercy, to 
pardon them; and to grant us grace and 
strength to watch and^strive against the repeti- 
tion of them. May all old things pass away, 
and all things become new ! 

We desire to begin the new year with God. 
We would commit ourselves afresh to Thy care, 
and consecrate ourselves anew to Thy service. 
We know not what even a day, and much less, 
what a year, may bring forth; nor would we 
wish to know. It is enough for us to be as- 
sured, that our lives are in Thy hands. There 
we cheerfully leave ourselves and all our con- 



200 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

cerns, praying and believing, that Thou wilt 
order all things wisely and graciously for us. 
We pray with submission to Thy sovereign will, 
that Thou wouldst continue our lives, and pre- 
serve our health and comforts to the close of 
another year. But especially we pray, that 
Thou wouldst prepare us for the events of it, 
and sanctify them to us, whatsoever they may 
be. 

As every year which passes, brings us nearer 
to death and eternity, may it find us better 
prepared for our great change. We know not 
but that this year may be our last. God grant 
that should this be the case, it may prove our 
best. If Thou hast so decreed, that this year 
any of us shall die, grant that death may be 
to us no terror or surprise. May we be dying 
daily to sin and the present world, so that 
whenever we finish this mortal life, we may 
enter upon that infinitely happy one, which 
shall never end. May the close of every year, 
and of every day, find us wiser and better j 
more happy in ourselves, more useful to others, 
and more meet for that world, where days and 
years shall be unknown and time shall be no 
more. In Thy presence, may we all spend a 
blessed eternity! 



FIRST DA Y OF THE YEAR. 201 

Be merciful to the young. May each of 
them, this day, hear Thee, saying, My son, 
give me Thy heart; and from this time forth, 
look to Thee as the guide of their youth. Bless 
Thy children and people everywhere. Suc- 
ceed their endeavors to serve Thee; and may 
they at all times, share largely of the consola- 
tions of Thy grace. Do good to our country. 
May it continue to enjoy Thy protection and 
smiles. Bless our rulers and magistrates; and 
help them to govern in Thy fear. Prosper 
Thine own cause in the world. Build up Thy 
Church. Clothe her ministers with salvation, 
and cause her people everywhere to shout 
aloud for joy. May the works of darkness be 
speedily brought to nought, and righteousness 
and peace everywhere abound. We ask all in 
the name and for the sake of Him, who hath 
taught us to pray : 

Our Father, &c. 



202 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

GOOD FRIDAY. 

Morning. 

Most merciful and gracious God and Father 
in our Lord Jesus Christ! To Thee would we 
this morning once more draw near, and present 
our supplication and prayer. Through Thy 
good providence over us, have we been pre- 
served through the dangers of the past night, 
and brought in safety to behold the light of 
this morning. Thy renewed goodness calls for 
renewed returns of gratitude and praise. We 
thank Thee for all Thy mercies, and pray for 
their continuance, and for grace and strength, 
in the enjoyment of them, to live to the glory 
and praise of Thy great and excellent name. 

We have great need to seek Thee, the Lord, 
whilst Thou mayest be found, and to call upon 
Thee whilst Thou art near. Thy word declares, 
and our own sad experience has taught us, that 
in us, that is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good 
thing. The things of the world, the lust of 
the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride 
of life, are continually tempting us, and leading 
us astray from Thee. Our affections towards 
Thee, are, accordingly, often cold and dull. We 
are prone to depart from Thee, and are luke- 



GOOD FRIDAY. 203 

warm and indifferent, when we ought to be 
filled with a holy zeal. We too much neglect 
and trifle with our own salvation, and with the 
salvation of those with whom we have constant 
intercourse. We have too little of that spirit- 
ual mind, which is life and peace. Our temp- 
tations are many; we often yield to them and 
have no strength in ourselves to resist or over- 
come them. 

We pray Thee, therefore, to be merciful to 
us, sinners. Dispose and enable us to come to 
Jesus Christ, weary and heavy-laden as we 
are, that we may find rest in Him. Teach us 
our guilt and ruin, and help us to rely on His 
blood; and to build all our hopes on His right- 
eousness. Grant that we, being ingrafted into 
Christ, may live wholly to Him. Suffer us not 
to deceive ourselves with a mere form and pro- 
fession of religion; but give us true faith, that 
we may really abide in Christ and bear much 
fruit. Quicken Thou our souls. Make our 
hearts pure, humble, and devout; and may our 
conversation ever be holy and heavenly. Grant 
unto us the abundance of Thy Holy Spirit. 
May He guide us in all our ways, that we may 
never dishonor Thee by unfruitfulness or incon- 
sistent conduct; but may abound in every 



204 CCASIONAL PR A YERS. 

good work, and walk worthy of the Gospel of 
Jesus Christ. 

Enable us this day to walk in Thy fear, 
and may we find ourselves greatly profited by 
the contemplation of those momentous truths, 
which this day is designed by the Church more 
immediately to commemorate. May we behold 
Jesus, stretched upon the Cross, and dying in 
agony for the sins of the world. May we espe- 
cially contemplate Him as suffering for our 
transgressions, and as being bruised for our ini- 
quities, knowing that the chastisement of our 
peace was upon Him and that by His stripes 
we are healed. Oh that a contemplation of 
these things, may deeply impress us with a 
sense of the evil of sin, and awaken in us feel- 
ings of abhorrence for it, so that we may truly 
repent of all our transgressions, and turn from 
them unto Thee, the living and true God! 

Fill us also with sentiments of the warmest 
gratitude and love to Thee, for Thy unspeak- 
able mercy to us in Jesus Christ Thy Son. 
Enable us to bless Thy great and holy name, 
that Jesus died for sinners, even for us. Yea, 
may we truly thank Thee, that grace, pardon, 
peace, strength, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life 
are given to sinners through faith in His blood. 



GOOD FRIDAY. 205 

Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from 
our sins in His own blood, and hath made us 
to be kings and priests unto God and His Fa- 
ther, may we ascribe glory and dominion for- 
ever and ever. 

While we thus supplicate Thee in our own 
behalf, we would not be forgetful of others. 
We pray Thee, therefore, to let the bright 
glory and happy dominion of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, be spread over the whole world. In- 
crease both the number and the zeal of those, 
who earnestly seek the good of Zion and the 
enlargement of Thy Son's kingdom. May Thy 
blessing attend every effort put forth in accord- 
ance with Thy will, to make the unsearchable 
riches of Christ known to the Gentiles. Give 
unto Thy people Israel the new heart and the 
new Spirit. Bless the favored country, so that 
it may be a highly honored instrument in dif- 
fusing the light of truth abroad; and grant that 
every exertion for that end, may be a means of 
reviving true religion in all our hearts at home. 
Bless all in authority. Let Thy priests be 
clothed with righteousness, and Thy people 
sing for joy. May peace and mercy be granted 
to all our relatives, and rest on our souls, and 
in our own family. May we, and all Thy peo- 
18 



206 CCA8I0NAL PR A YERS. 

pie, be united in one heart and mind in Thy 
service and love, praying for each other, bear- 
ing one another's burdens, and so fulfilling the 
law of Christ. Hear us for His name's sake, in 
whose words we would further pray, 
Our Father, &c. 



GOOD FRIDAY. 

Evening. 

Almighty God and everlasting Father! Thou 
art the Creator of the ends of the earth, who 
faintest not, neither art weary. Thy mercy 
also endureth forever. Who is a God like unto 
Thee, that pardonest iniquity; that passest by 
the transgression of Thy heritage, and retainest 
not Thine anger for ever? When we call to 
mind the days that are gone, from our youth 
up even until now, and consider how many of 
them have been spent in forgetfulness of Thee, 
we might well be overwhelmed with sorrow, 
and a consciousness of sins take such hold upon 
us, that we should not be able to look up, did 
we not know that Thy compassions fail not. 
We have abundant cause, Lord, to remember 
and be confounded, and never to open our 
mouth any more, because of our shame, even 



GOOD FRIDAY. 207 

though Thou shouldst be at peace with us for 
all that we have done. 

We have, therefore, great cause to bless Thee 
for Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, 
through whom we hope to be justified from all 
things, from which we could not be justified by 
any righteousness of our own. We adore and 
magnify Thy name, Father of mercies, and 
God of all consolation, for having called us 
with a holy calling, not according to our works, 
but according to Thy own purpose and grace, 
given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ; 
whom, having not seen, we love, and in whom, 
though now we see Him not, yet believing, we 
may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 

We especially praise Thee for all the sorrows 
endured for us by Thy Son, which had their 
culmination on the cross, and for the particular 
contemplation of which, the day which has now 
closed, has been set apart by Thy Church. Oh 
that we may constantly remember His dying 
agonies, and feel that it was our sins which ren- 
dered it necessary that He should endure them. 
May we repent in dust and ashes before Thee, 
on account of our manifold short-comings, and, 
at the same time, look unto Jesus, as the Lamb 
of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. 



20S OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

"We rejoice in view of the rich provision Thou 
hast made, by the death of Thy Son, for the 
salvation of souls ; and we would summon all 
the powers of mind and body to the great work 
of praising Thee. Lamb of God, worthy art 
Thou that wast slain ; for Thou hast redeemed 
us unto God by Thy blood ! Worthy art Thou 
that wast slain, to receive power, and riches, 
and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and 
glory, and blessing ! 

Teach us, O Lord, to live, day by day, in 
humble dependence on Thy promises ; in cheer- 
ful obedience to Thy laws, and in a sure and 
certain hope of a blessed immortality. Keep 
us, we beseech Thee, with Thy perpetual 
mercy; and because such is our frailty, that 
without Thee we cannot but fall, preserve us 
by Thy help from all things hurtful, and lead 
us to all things profitable to our salvation. 
Defend us from all our enemies, both temporal 
and spiritual. In all time of tribulation, in all 
time of prosperity, in the hour of death, and in 
the day of judgment, good Lord, deliver us. 
Grant, that we, being received for Thy own chil- 
dren by adoption, and being incorporated into 
Thy holy Church, may receive the fulness of 
Thy grace, and remain in the number of Thy 



GOOD FRIDAY. 209 

faithful children ; and finally, with the residue 
of Thy people, be made partakers of Thy hea- 
venly kingdom. 

Preserve us, especially, from all the evils to 
which we may be exposed this night. Gracious- 
ly give Thy angels charge concerning us, to 
pitch their tents around our beds ; and grant 
that our friends, our neighbors, and all who are 
dear to us, may be brought in safety .to the be- 
ginning of another day. As often as we are 
about to lie down on the bed of sleep, help us 
to look forward to that sleep in the dust of the 
earth, from which all shall awake at last, some 
to everlasting life, and some to everlasting 
shame and contempt. And may we be found 
meet in that day, to join in that glorious song, 
which Thou hast prepared for those who wait 
for Thy appearing : " Lo ! this is our God : We 
have waited for Him, and He will save us. 
This is the Lord ; we will rejoice, and be glad 
in His salvation." 

Almighty and everlasting God, who dost 
govern all things in heaven and earth, merci- 
cifully hear these our supplications; and grant 
us Thy peace all the days of our life, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Our Father, &c. 

18* 



210 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

EASTER SUNDAY. 

Morning, 

Once more, Lord, have we been permitted 
to behold the light of Thy holy Sabbath, and 
to have in prospect the enjoyment of the mani- 
fold privileges peculiar to it in a Christian 
land. This is indeed the day which the Lord 
hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 
Oh that we may be in the Spirit on the Lord's 
day ! Whilst in it we remember the great work 
of creation as finished, may we give glory to 
Thee, God, the Father Almighty, the Maker 
of heaven and earth. Thou, who didst at 
first command the light to shine out of dark- 
ness, shine this day into our hearts, and give 
us more of the light of the knowledge of Thy 
glory in the face of Jesus Christ ; and let us be 
Thy workmanship, created anew in Him unto 
good works. 

With peculiar pleasure would we call to mind 
on this Sabbath of Sabbaths, the resurrection 
of our exalted Redeemer from the dead on the 
first day of the week, which this day is designed 
especially to commemorate, and by which He 
was declared to be the Son of God with power, 
and is become the first fruits of those that slept. 



EASTEB SUNDAY, 211 

Oh that as Christ was raised from the dead by 
the glory of the Father, so we also may rise 
with Him, and walk in newness of life: We 
bless Thee, that when Jesus was glorified, the 
Holy Ghost was given to carry on His under- 
taking until His second coming, and that we 
have the promise, that He shall abide with us 
forever. We pray that the Spirit of Him, who 
raised up Christ from the dead, may dwell and 
rule in us, to make us partakers of a new and- 
divine nature. 

Be graciously present with us, through all 
the solemn services of this day. Pour out upon 
us, and all who shall meet in Thy name, the 
Spirit of grace and supplication. Let none of 
us draw near to Thee with our lips only, while 
our hearts are far from Thee; but enable us to 
worship Thee in spirit and in truth. Cause Thy 
face to shine upon us. Grant that we may find, 
that the Lord is in His holy temple, and be 
able to say, It was good for us to have been 
there! Prepare our hearts to receive Thy 
holy word, that it may be as seed sown in good 
ground, and bring forth much fruit to perfec- 
tion. Bless especially all such as expect this 
day to enter into covenant relation with Thy- 
self, or hope again to receive the memorials 



212 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

of our Saviour's sufferings and death. May 
contrition, penitence, faith, humility, and love, 
be in lively exercise and greatly increased. 
May all of us be enabled to raise our affections 
to things above, and to have our conversation 
in heaven ! 

Bless all who shall this day minister in holy 
things. Multiply unto them Thy grace, that 
they may be faithful, diligent, and laborious. 
Grant them humility, disinterestedness, watch- 
fulness, and zeal. May all have grace to take 
heed to themselves, and to the flock, over which 
the Holy Ghost has made them overseers, feed- 
ing the Church of God, which He has pur- 
chased with His own blood. Stand by and 
strengthen them this day. Open Thou their 
mouths, and enable them to testify boldly the 
Gospel of the grace of God. We especially pray 
for him, who ministers among us. May he be 
enabled this day to speak a word in season to 
us, and to all who hear him. 

And, we beseech Thee to grant, that this 
Thy Sabbath may be distinguished by great 
and singular mercies to Thy Church. Be Thou 
with all Christian congregations meeting to 
worship Thee. By the ministry of Thy word 
this day, convert Thou many sinners; heal 



EASTER SUNDAY. 213 

those who have backslidden; strengthen those 
who are weak, and confirm those who are 
strong. Give Thy word free course, and let it 
be glorified in every land, and among every 
people. 

Hear us, Lord, in our prayers ; forgive us 
our sins; and do more for us than we can ask 
or are worthy to receive, for the sake of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

Our Father, &c. 



EASTER SUNDAY. 

Evening. 

At the close of this day, we would again, 
Lord, come into Thy presence, and present to 
Thee our evening sacrifice of prayer, and praise, 
and thanksgiving. Thou hast been pleased to 
favor us with another of Thy holy Sabbaths. 
"We have therein enjoyed great and glorious 
privileges. The lines have indeed fallen to us 
in pleasant places ; yea, we have had a goodly 
heritage. We praise Thee for all that our eyes 
have seen, our ears heard, or our hands handled 
of the word of eternal life. 

We have this day been led to contemplate 
the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from 



214 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

the dead, whereby He triumphed over all His 
and our enemies, and thus finished the great 
work of redemption. May the truths "we have 
heard and read, and all the solemn services in 
which we have been engaged, make a deep and 
lasting impression upon our hearts, and bring 
forth appropriate fruit in our lives. Grant that 
we, being risen with Christ, may seek those 
things which are above, where Christ sitteth 
on the right hand of God. May our aifections 
be set on things above, and not on things on 
the earth. Oh that the life we now live in the 
flesh, may be by the faith of the Son of God ! 
May we adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour 
in all things. 

Bless all, who have waited upon Thee this 
day, in the ministrations of Thy house. May 
the truth spoken prove a word in season to 
many souls. Grant unto such as have this day 
openly avouched Thee, the Lord, to be their 
God, the Lord Jesus Christ to be their Saviour 
and Kedeemer, and the Holy Ghost to be their 
Comforter, Sanctifier, and Guide, or as have, 
over Thine altar, renewed their covenant vows 
to be Thine, grace and strength to walk worthy 
of their high and holy relations. May they be 
enabled ever to bring forth in their lives, the 



EASTER SUNDAY, 215 

peaceable fruits of righteousness. Pity such as 
have this day been deprived of the j)^blic 
means of grace, by sickness or infirmity. Let 
them know in their happy experience that 
Thou art not confined to temples made with 
hands. Be with them in all their troubles; 
and impart unto them largely of the consola- 
tions of Thy grace. May such as have neglect- 
ed, or failed to improve the privileges of this 
day, be brought to see their sinfulness, and to 
repent, before it shall be forever too late. 

Accomplish all that Thou hast promised, 
heavenly Father, concerning Thy Church, in 
the latter days. Let the earth be filled with 
Thy glory. May the fulness of the Gentiles be 
brought in and all Israel be saved. Propagate 
the Gospel in all parts of our land. Let the 
enlargement of trade and commerce contribute 
to the enlargement of Thy Church. Let the 
kingdom of Christ, in all places, be erected upon 
the ruins of Satan's kingdom. Hasten the 
downfall of the man of sin, and let primitive 
Christianity, even pure religion and undefiled 
before God and the Father, be revived, and 
made to flourish wherever the Gospel is sent. 
Let the power of Godliness prevail among all 
who have the form of it. May the wars of the 



216 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

nations end in the peace of the Church, and the 
convulsions and revolutions of States and King- 
doms, issue in the advancement of the kingdom 
of God among men ; even that kingdom, which 
cannot be moved. 

Prosper, we pray Thee, the trade of our na- 
tion. Guard our coasts. Disappoint the de- 
vices of our enemies; and preserve the public 
peace. Bless the fruits of the earth. Continue 
our plenty. Abundantly bless our provisions, 
and satisfy our poor with bread. Preserve the 
health of the nation, and delight to dwell among 
us and to do us good. 

Forgive, Lord, whatsoever Thou hast seen 
amiss in us during the past day. Watch over 
us this night. Kefresh our bodies with quiet 
and comfortable sleep. Prepare us for the 
duties of the coming day, and for all that awaits 
us in life. May the whole time of our sojourn- 
ing here below be spent in Thy fear and in Thy 
service; and grant that we may all at last be 
found amongst the number of those, who shall 
participate in the resurrection of the just. 

Our Father, &c. 



ASCENSION DAY. 217 

ASCENSION DAY„ 
Morning . 

Almighty and most merciful Father ! mani- 
fold and highly aggravated are the sins, which 
we have committed against Thee. On account 
of them, Thou mightest most justly have cut 
us off in the midst of our days. But Thy mer- 
cy has prevailed over Thy judgments^ and in 
the exercise of Thy goodness, we have been 
spared. We would praise Thee for all Thy 
grace and loving-kindness, and, at the same 
time, humble ourselves deeply, on account of 
our great sinfuhiess and unworthiness. Oh that 
Thou wouldst be pleased graciously to accept 
our unfeigned sorrow for our past transgressions; 
and grant that we may never so presume upon 
Thy mercy, as to despise the riches of Thy 
goodness; but let a sense of Thy forbearance 
and long-suffering work in us repentance and 
amendment of life, to Thy honor and glory, and 
to our final acceptance in the last day, through 
the merits of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Thou didst not at first, Lord, pass by our 

race, as Thou didst the angels that sinned; but 

didst, in the plenitude of Thy mercy, provide 

for them a Saviour in Jesus Christ Thy Son. 

19 



218 OCCASIONAL PBAYERS. 

In the fulness of time, Thou didst send Him 
into the world, and cause Him to pass through 
a life of toil and suffering, and at last to submit 
to the excruciating and ignominious death of 
the Cross. Thou didst not, however, leave 
Him under the power of death ; but didst raise 
Him from the dead, and cause Him to ascend 
into heaven, to be seated at Thy right hand, 
until He shall come to judge the quick and the 
dead. All this hast Thou done, that it might 
be possible for Thee to be just, and yet the 
Justifier of those of our race, who believe in 
Jesus. We praise Thee for this glorious scheme 
of redemption ; and would this morning grate- 
fully contemplate its various acts, and especial- 
ly that which this day is designed by Thy 
Church particularly to commemorate. We re- 
joice, that Jesus has ascended on high, having 
led captivity captive, and received gifts for 
men, and is now seated at Thy right hand, 
ready to dispense the riches of Thy heavenly 
grace unto all, who place their trust in Him. 
Grant, that as He has ascended into heaven, so 
we also may in heart and mind ascend thither, 
and dwell continually with Him, who liveth 
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 
one God, world without end. 



ASCENSION DAY, 219 

Whilst Thou art pleased to continue us in 
this pilgrimage world, we pray Thee to keep 
alive in us a spirit of true devotion, and pre- 
serve us from the great sin of praying to Thee 
with our lips only, and not with our heart and 
mind also. Convince us of our entire depen- 
dence on Thee ; and quicken us in the pursuit 
of things eternal, that we may continually press 
forward to obtain the prize of our high calling 
in Christ Jesus. Dispose us, we beseech Thee, 
rightly to discharge the duties of this day. 
Watch over our path. Compass us about with 
Thy favor. Preserve us in our going out and our 
coming in ; and direct all our steps in the way 
of Thy commandments. Make us truly honest 
and conscientious in all our business ; diligent 
in the performance of our duty; innocent in our 
conversation ; meek, charitable, and forgiving 
towards others; watchful over ourselves, and 
ever mindful of Thy presence. 

If now, Lord, we have asked anything 
amiss, we pray Thee to pardon our ignorance 
and infii'mity ; and whatsoever is good for us, 
even if we ask it not, be pleased to grant to us, 
in the name and for the sake of Thy dear Son 
Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. 

Our Father, &c. 



220 OCCASIONAL PBAYEBS, 

ASCEJSrSION DAY. 

Evening, 

Manifold, Lord, are the mercies which we 
have received at Thy hands during the past day. 
Thou hast been with us throughout its check- 
ered scenes, and preserved us from the temp- 
tations and dangers to which we were exposed. 
"VYe have also been favored with the comforts 
of Thy Providence, and abundantly blessed 
with the blessings and privileges of Thy grace. 
All these things Thou hast conferred upon us, 
even whilst we, by our sins and transgressions, 
have rendered ourselves unworthy of the least 
of all Thy mercies. What shall we render unto 
the Lord for all His benefits to-us-ward ? We 
will take of the cup of Thy salvation ; we will 
call upon Thy great and excellent name. 

We thank Thee, Lord, in the sincerity of 
our hearts, for all that Thou hast this day con- 
ferred upon us. Especially would we praise 
Thee for everything that relates to the interests 
of our never dying souls. Thou hast been 
pleased to provide us with a Saviour in the gift 
of Thy Son, and this day have we been led, by 
the appointment of Thy Holy Church, to con- 
template Him as an ascended and glorified Ke- 



ASCENSION DA K 221 

deemer. We praise Thee, God, the King of 
glory, that, after He had finished the work of 
redemption. Thou didst cause Him to sit down 
at the right hand of Thy Majesty in heaven, 
and hast thus exalted Him, with great power 
and glory, to be a Prince and a Saviour. And 
we pray Thee, that Thou wilt not leave us 
comfortless, but send down upon us the Holy 
Ghost, to comfort us, and exalt us unto the 
same place, whither our Saviour Christ has gone 
before ; who liveth and reigneth with Thee, 
and the Holy Ghost, one God for ever and 
ever. 

Whilst we thus record Thy loving-kindness 
with grateful hearts, we would not forget to 
humble ourselves in Thy presence, on account 
of our manifold sins and transgressions. This 
day, in the midst of all Thy mercies, we have 
been guilty of acts of rebellion, which might 
justly incur for us the inflictions of Thine in- 
dignation and wrath. But, Lord, have mercy 
upon us, and for the sake of our once crucified, 
but now risen and ascended Redeemer, blot out 
all our transgressions, and remember our sins 
no more against us. May we experience the 
"blessedness of those, whose transgressions are 
forgiven and whose sins are covered. 

19* 



222 OCCASIONAL PBAYERS. 

We would, now, heavenly Father, commit 
us to Thy holy care and keeping for the night. 
May we rest securely under the shadow of Thy 
protection. Defend us from all perils and dan- 
gers, and especially from those, which may 
assault and hurt the soul. Prepare us, by com- 
fortable repose, for the duties of the morrow, 
and grant that we may rise disposed and 
strengthened for Thy service, as faithful and 
diligent disciples of Thy blessed Son ; in whose 
words we further pray, 

Our Father, &c. 



WHITSUNDAY. 

Morning, 

Thou, Lord, hast set apart the Sabbath for 
Thyself and commanded us to keep it holy. 
Help us to realize this solemn truth as we 
ought, and impart unto us grace to improve all 
our holy time, to the purpose for which it has 
been given. May we this day worship before 
Thee in the beauty of holiness, and make great 
progress in our journey towards the heavenly 
Jerusalem. 

Especially, Lord, as Thou didst on the day 



WEITSUNDA Y. 223 

of Pentecost, pour out Thy Holy Spirit upon 
Thy holy apostles, and cause them to proclaim 
in divers tongues to perishing sinners the pre- 
cious grace of 'Thy salvation, do Thou this day 
open the windows of heaven and cause such 
showers of divine influences to descend upon us, 
and all Thy people, that there shall not be 
room sufficient for the reception of them. Oh 
that we may indeed be favored with a real 
Pentecostal season! May we and all Thy peo- 
ple be greatly revived and quickened in the ways 
of holy obedience; and may sinners be pricked 
to their hearts and constrained to cry out, Men 
and brethren, what must we do to be saved ? 
and be directed to the Lamb of God, who taketh 
away the sins of the world. 

Prepare us, we pray Thee, for the various 
duties, which are before us this day. Sanctify 
unto us all the means of grace, with which Thou 
art pleased to favor us. Send out Thy light 
and truth; and let them lead us, and bring us 
to Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacle. May 
we go with the multitude to the house of 
prayer, with the voice of joy and praise ; even 
with the multitude that keep Thy holy day. 
There may we see Thy power and glory, as 
Thy servants see them in Thy sanctuary ; and 



224 CCASIONAL PR A YEBS. 

be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, 
even of Thy holy temple. 

Be with all ministers of the Gospel, who shall 
this day proclaim the glad tidings of salvation 
to perishing sinners. Endue them plentifully 
with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. Give unto 
them the spirit of love, and of power, and of a 
sound mind. Make them able ministers of the 
New Testament; faithful stewards of the mys- 
teries of God. Help them to take heed unto 
themselves and to the doctrine ; so that, accord- 
ing to Thy promise, they may both save them- 
selves and those who hear them. Regard with 
special favor Thy Holy Catholic Church. May 
she be continually inspired with the spirit of 
truth, unity, and concord. Grant that all, who 
confess Thy name, may agree in the truth of 
Thy holy word, and live in unity and godly 
love. May numbers be daily added to Thy 
Church, of such as shall be saved. 

Pity those who neglect Thy Holy Sabbaths. 
May they be brought to see their sinfulness and 
to repent, and to improve such of their holy 
time as still remains. Remember in much 
mercy those, who through sickness, or any other 
impediment, are prevented from attending the 
ordinances of Thy house, and the habitation 



WHITSUNDAY. 225 

which their soul loveth. Let Thy presence be 
with them in their private meditations, even as 
with those, who assemble together, in the places 
where Thine honor dwelleth. 

Have compassion upon all, who are perishing 
out of Jesus Christ, the ark of safety. May 
He, who hath been set apart for a light to 
lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy peo- 
ple Israel, shine upon the nations, which are 
sitting in darkness, and in the shadow of death. 
Greatly multiply the number of those, who 
shall go forth into all the world and preach the 
Gospel to every creature. Let nation after na- 
tion be converted to the Christian faith, until 
the kingdoms of this world become the king- 
doms of our Lord and of His Christ, and the 
earth be filled with the knowledge of Thy glory, 
as the waters cover the sea. 

Hear, Lord, these our imperfect petitions, 
and answer them in the multitude of Thy ten- 
der mercies, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our 
only Lord and Saviour, to whom, with Thee 
and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, 
world without end. 

Our Father, &c. 



226 OCCASIONAL PBAYEBS. 

WHITSUNDAY, 

Evening. 

Father of mercies and God of all consolation 
and grace ! Thou hast been pleased to favor us 
with the light, and blessings, and privileges of 
another of Thy holy Sabbaths, and we desire to 
praise Thee, at this time, in the sincerity of our 
hearts, for all that we have thus received at 
Thy hands. This day have we again had the 
glad tidings of salvation, in and through a cru- 
cified but risen Redeemer, proclaimed unto us. 
Especially have our thoughts and attention 
been directed to that great event in the history 
of Thy apostolic Church, the outpouring of the 
Holy Ghost upon Thy disciples, which this day 
is designed to commemorate. Oh that we may 
be enabled to feel properly thankful to Thee 
for the fidelity, which Thou didst therein 
evince to Thy promises, as well as to the inter- 
ests of Thy people ! And grant, that as the 
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, has come, so He may 
abide with us forever, and lead us into all 
truth. 

We confess, Lord, that we have this day 
not improved in the midst of our mercies and 
privileges as we ought to have done. Imper- 



WHITSUNDA Y. 227 

fection and even sin have mingled with our best 
attempts to serve Thee. We pray, that Thou 
wouldst, for Jesus' sake, forgive all that Thou 
hast seen amiss. At the same time, do Thou 
add Thy gracious blessing unto all that has 
been in accordance with Thy will. May neither 
the cares, nor the pleasures of this world, de- 
stroy the seed of the word which may have this 
day been sown in our hearts ; but may it spring 
up, and bear fruit, some thirty, sixty, or an 
hundred-fold. We have desired the sincere 
milk of the word, that we may grow thereby. 
We are another Sabbath day nearer the end of 
life. Do Thou grant, that we may be nearer to 
heaven in our tempers, in our conduct, and in 
our desires, and affections. From this night 
forth, we would desire to lead a life more con- 
formable to the holy Gospel we profess, and to 
the glorious hopes we are permitted to enter- 
tain. 

Be pleased, Lord, to follow with Thy 
blessing the preaching of the Gospel everywhere. 
Wherever the name of Christ has this day been 
named, may multitudes see the need of His sal- 
vation, and be constrained to fly to Him as their 
city of refuge. And let the glorious period 
spoken of by Thy holy prophet soon come^ 



228 OCCASIONAL FBAYERS. 

when the whole earth shall be full of the know- 
ledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the 
channels of the sea. Hear the intercessions 
which have this day been put up through all 
Thy churches ; especially such as have been 
offered in behalf of the land in which we dwell, 
its government, and Thy Church. Pardon 
whatsoever has been asked amiss ; and wherein 
Thy servants may have neglected to ask for 
needful blessings for themselves and others, do 
Thou, of Thine infinite goodness, supply the 
deficiency. 

And now, God, permit us to commend our 
bodies and souls to Thy paternal care this 
night. Thou art the keeper of Israel, who 
never slumbereth nor sleepeth. Give us com- 
fortable and refreshing sleep. Be at our right 
hand, and we will not fear what evil men, or 
evil spirits can do to us ; and having found that 
Thou hast been our refuge and defence all the 
night long, may we awake in the morning dis- 
posed to meditate upon Thy goodness and mercy. 
Oh may we live in Thy love and fear all our 
days, and improve by every dispensation of Thy 
providence and grace, and at last be admitted, 
with all who are allied with us by nature or 
grace, into Thy heavenly kingdom. We ask 



UNDER DANGEROUS SICKNESS. 229 

and hope for every blessing, in the name, and 
for the sake, of our dear Kedeemer. 
Our Father, &c. 



UNDER DANGEROUS SICKNESS. 

Lord God Almighty ! in whom we all live, 
and move, and have our being; we acknow- 
ledge, that it is of Thy mercy we have not 
been consumed; yea, even because Thy com- 
passions fail not, but are renewed every morning 
and evening, and repeated every moment of our 
lives. Hadst Thou long ere this time cut us 
down as cumberers of the ground, and shut us 
up in everlasting despair, Thou wouldst have 
been righteous in such severe dealings ; and 
justly mightest Thou even now refuse to hear 
us in our prayers, who have so often refused 
to yield to the movings of Thy Spirit upon our 
hearts. But Thou, Lord, art God and not 
man. Thy thoughts are not as our thoughts, 
nor Thy ways as our ways. As the heavens 
are higher than the earth, so are Thy thoughts 
above our thoughts, and Thy ways above our 
ways. We rejoice to know, that Thou art our 
refuge and our strength, and a very present 
help in time of trouble. 
20 



230 OCCASIONAL PEAYEES. 

We come to Thee, Lord our God, at this 
time, in behalf of liim^ upon whom Thou hast 
placed Thy chastening hand, and who is now 
suffering from disease and pain. Look down, 
we humbly beseech Thee, in great mercy upon 
Mm, and show Thyself favorable unto him, ac- 
cording to the multitude of Thy tender mercies 
in Christ Jesus. If Thou wilt but speak the 
word, he shall be healed of all Ms maladies. In 
humble submission to Thy righteous and holy 
will, would we, therefore, beg of Thee, that 
Thou wouldst be pleased to remove from Mm, 
the disease from which lie is now suffering, and 
restore Mm again to health. To this end, do 
Thou direct to the use of such means, as Thou 
shalt be pleased to own and bless for liis recov- 
ery. Spare Mm, good Lord, if it be Thy blessed 
will; and grant unto Mm still further time 
to work out Ms salvation, and to labor for 
the promotion of Thy glory and the interests 
of our race. And however it shall please Thee 
to deal with Mm as to the concerns of Ms body, 
which, we pray Thee, may be in the way of 
great gentleness and tender mercy ; do Thou 
let Ms soul be ever precious in Thy sight, and 
may even the present sickness be for the health 
of that immortal and better part. 



UNDER DANGEROUS SICKNESS, 231 

Give Mm proper views of the things, which 
belong to Ms peace, before they be forever hid 
from Ms eyes. Show Mm what Thou wilt have 
Mm to do ; and strengthen Mm for its faithful 
performance, so that he may have an abiding 
peace wdth Thee, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Give Mm true repentance towards God, 
and a right faith in the only Saviour of the 
world. Wash and cleanse Ms soul with the 
blood of Thy Son, and the graces of Thy Spirit, 
that it may be delivered from all the defilement 
it has contracted in this present evil world, and 
be found safe and happy in the hour of death, 
and in the great day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Fit Mm^ Lord, for living or dying, what- 
ever, in Thy wise and righteous providence, 
Thou hast designed for Mm; so that it may be 
unto Mm Christ to live, and great gain to die. 
May he, in the midst of all, experience Thy 
gracious goodness as exercised in the Son of 
Thy love, and thus ever find cause to glorify 
Thy name. If Thou shalt be pleased to release 
Mm from Ms bed of languishing, and to permit 
Mm to live longer upon earth, enable Mm to 
live to Thee in Thy fear and to Thy praise, and 
to do Thee better service, and bring Thee 
greater glory, than he has ever heretofore done. 



232 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

But, shouldst Thou have determined, that this 
sickness shall be unto death, and this visitation, 
Ms last visitation, do Thou, most merciful 
God, prepare liim by Thy grace, for the enjoy- 
ment of Thyself; and grant unto Jiim a safe 
and comfortable passage out of this transitory 
life to an ever abiding and infinitely better one, 
through the merits and mediation of Thy be- 
loved Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



DANGEROUS SICKNESS OF A CHILD. 

Blessed Saviour, in Thine earthly life. Thou 
didst have pity upon the sorrows and sufferings 
of men. Thou didst heal their sicknesses. Yea, 
Thou didst hear the cry of anguish for the dead, 
and didst give back to Jairus his daughter, and 
to the widow of Nain her son. Oh ! hear our cry, 
we entreat Thee, and spare the life of our dear 
child. Even against hope, we do hope in Thy 
mercy. We have consecrated this beloved 
child to Thee ; and, above all earthly wishes, 
our hearts' desire is that he may live to serve 
Thee in a holy and useful life on earth. 

But, Lord, heaven is Thine also ; and if it 
be Thy will, that lie should go to serve Thee 
in the higher life, help us cheerfully to acqui- 



THE DEATH OF A CHILD. 233 

esce. Grant us also^ the strength of faith, the 
sweetness of patience, the serenity of submis- 
sion, the joy of consecration. May we have 
grace to make it manifest, that the fervor of 
natural affection has only kindled the more our 
devotion to our Father in Heaven! May our 
affections be on things above, our life hid with 
Christ in God, and when He shall appear, may 
we and all our dear ones be forever with Him 
in His glory, for His name's sake. Amen. 



THE DEATH OF A CHILD. 

Blessed Saviour ! we would hear Thy voice 
and believe. We bow in sorrow and submission 
at the footstool of Infinite Mercy. Thou hast 
taken from us, Lord, a dear child, whom we 
had consecrated to Thee, and had fondly hoped 
to bring up in Thy kingdom upon earth. But 
Thou hast consecrated him with the seal of 
death unto Thy heavenly kingdom. Thy will, 
God ! be done. 

We bless Thee for the gift of such a child ; 
for all the joy that his coming brought; for 
all the love and hope he had kindled in our 
hearts; for the privilege of possessing him for 
Thee. And now, that Thou hast claimed him 

20^ 



234 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

for Thine own, we bless Thee for all the com- 
fort and delight we have had in him; and we 
pray that the remembrance of Thy goodness 
in this gift, may incline us to trust Thee in 
our sorrow. Oh! sanctify our hearts! [Bless 
the dear children still left to us; and, if it 
please Thee, spare them to us. But, Lord ! 
draw them to Thyself in a love stronger and 
richer than ours.] And may our home be the 
more sacred because of this visitation ! Re- 
member all families in affliction and comfort 
them. Blessed Saviour, though Thou dost not 
give back our dead, we would believe, that 
they yet live with Thee; and we beseech 
Thee, prepare us by Thy grace to join them 
in the Kingdom of Thy Father. Amen. 



FOR ONE IN PROSPECT OF DEATH. 

THOU, who art the hope of Israel, and 
the Saviour thereof in time of trouble ! When 
all other hope and help fail, it is not in vain to 
seek unto Thee for succor. Thou canst bring 
back from the mouth of the grave ; and when 
it does not accord with Thy will farther to 
prolong the temporal life. Thou canst deliver 
from eternal death and bring safe to the blessed 



FOR ONE IN PROSPECT OF DEATH. 235 

life everlasting. We would humbly supplicate 
Thee, at this time, in behalf of him, whose sick, 
and, in all probability, dying couch, we are now 
surrounding. If it be Thy blessed will, spare 
Ills life, and restore him to health, notwithstand- 
ing the unfavorable prospects before him for 
such an issue. 

Should it, however, please Thee, Lord, to 
realize our worst fears with regard to his case, 
and cause this sickness to end in his death, we 
pray Thee to remember him in great mercy in 
the midst of his last, trying hours. Oh leave 
him not, nor forsake him; but support and as- 
sist him, in his sorest extremities. In his last 
agonies, when he is in conflict with the king of 
terrors, may he find the most sweet and sea- 
sonable aids from the Almighty God of his sal- 
vation ; and do Thou not take him out of this 
life, until Thou hast fitted him for a better. 
Stand by him in the dying hour, and secure 
him in Thy hands from the enemies of his soul, 
and finish all that is wanting of the work of 
Thy grace upon his heart. Freely and fully 
pardon all his sins, for the sake of the merits 
of the death of Thy Son, and deliver him from 
them, and fit him to appear with comfort and 
rejoicing in Thy blessed presence. Oh make 



236 OCCASIONAL PBAYER8. 

his departure easy, and full of peace and hope. 
Carry him safe through the valley and shadow 
of death, and let him find it to be the gate of 
glory, and a door opened into the everlasting 
kingdom and joy of his Lord. 

Into Thy hands we would commend his 
spirit. Thou Father of mercies, be Thou 
merciful to him, and receive his departing soul, 
and when he is numbered among the dead, let 
him also be numbered among the redeemed and 
blessed of the Lord, even for His sake, who 
Himself died for sinners, and rose again, and 
lives and is alive for ever more, and has the 
keys of death and hell. To Thy mercy in that 
Saviour of the world, most merciful Father, 
would we now humbly commit him; beseeching 
Thee to be all in all to him, and to do infinitely 
better than we are worthy or able to ask for 
him; and especially to make him Thine in life 
and death, and for ever more, through the all- 
sufiicient mediation of Thy dear Son, our pre- 
vailing Advocate and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



ON RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS. 237 

THANKSGIVING FOR RECOYERY FROM SICKNESS. 

Incomprehensibly great and ever glorious 
God ! we adore Thee as a being infinite, eter- 
nal, and unchangeable. Thou canst and dost 
do whatsoever Thou pleasest. Thine eyes are 
in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 
May we always remember, that wherever we 
are, there God is ; and that whatever we are 
doing, Thine eye is upon us. Thou art ac- 
quainted with all our thoughts, words, and 
actions, and knowest the secret purposes of our 
hearts. May we remember, that our wholp 
lives are recorded in Thy book, for that day 
when all our thoughts, words, and actions will 
be brought into judgment. Let us not indulge 
the vain hope, that we can conceal our sins from 
God, or without repentance, escape Thy wrath. 

We thank Thy wisdom and love, that we 
have time allotted us for repentance, and that 
Thou hast said, that whosoever confesseth and 
forsaketh his sin shall find mercy. Do Thou, 
who art exalted to give repentance and remis- 
sion of sins, give us hearts to mourn before Thee 
all our ingratitude and vileness, especially 
that we have loved Thee no more and served 
Thee no better ; and may we return as the pro- 



238 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

digal, confessing that we have sinned, Father, 
against heaven and before Thee, and are not 
worthy to be called Thy children. We pray 
that Thou wouldst help us henceforth to forsake 
sin. May we fear God and keep His command- 
ments; do justly, love mercy, and walk hum- 
bly. Let us not do anything whereby God 
shall be offended, our fellow-creatures injured, 
or our own consciences burdened with guilt. 

Thou art ever placing us under great obliga- 
tions to Thee. May we at all times be mindful 
of Thy mercies and make to Thee those returns, 
which are justly thy due. We would especial- 
ly at this time render Thee our grateful ac- 
knowledgments, for the kind interposition of 
Thy Providence on the behalf of one of this 
family, whom Thou hast recovered from sick- 
ness [and raised from the borders of the grave. 
Thou killest and Thou makest alive; Thou 
woundest, and Thou healest]. Make 7wm whom 
Thou hast graciously restored, and all the 
members of this family, unfeignedly thankful 
for Thy delivering mercy, and let liis life and 
ours show forth Thy praise. Grant that both 
the affliction and the mercy may be sanctified, 
as the means of bringing Mm and us nearer to 
Thyself, and quickening us in the great duties 



THE MORNING BEFORE A FUNERAL. 239 

of life ; and prepare us for a dying hour, when- 
soever it may come. To us to live, may it be 
Christ, and to die, gain. 

We now commend us one and all to Thy 
special care. We pray Thee to be with us 
through all the checkered scenes of life. Be 
Thou our guide and guard. Keep us from all 
evil, but especially from sin. In dependence 
on Thy grace, may it be our resolution, that 
our hearts shall not reproach us so long as we 
live ; and may we at last die in peace, and fall 
asleep in Jesus; to v/hom with Thee, the 
Father, and the eternal Spirit, be glory forever. 
Amen. 



THE MORNING BEFORE A FUNERAL. 

THOU, who art our great Creator, and by 
Thy good hand upon us, still our merciful Pre- 
server, may we at this time approach the foot- 
stool of Thy throne, with divine forgiveness and 
gracious acceptance. To whom can we go but 
unto Thee, who art the Father of lights, and 
the fountain of every blessing ; and who hast 
said in Thy holy word, '^ Call upon me in the 
day of trouble ; I will deliver Thee, and Thou 
shalt glorify me." Thou hast also told uS; that. 



210 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

" It is better to go to the house of mourning 
than to the house of feasting; for that is the 
end of all men, and the living will lay it to his 
heart." 

In Thy wise and holy Providence, Thou hast 
been pleased to take away by the hand of death, i 
our deceased friend [brother, sister, parent, or 
child]. His spirit has returned to Thee, who 
gave it, and upon us devolves this day the 
mournful duty of committing Ms body to the 
earth out of which it was taken. Look Thou 
upon us, in great mercy, in the midst of these 
solemn circumstances, and enable us to pass 
properly and successfully through the trying 
scenes before us. May we upon this, and every 
other occasion, submit ourselves to Thee, and 
say, with sincere and honest hearts: "The will 
of the Lord be done." Yea, may we imitate 
Thy servant of old, who, in the midst of the 
sorest affliction, exclaimed with becoming re- 
signation, " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath 
taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." 

We rejoice, that Thou hast not left us in our 
present circumstances, without sources of com- 
fort and hope. Our blessed Redeemer hath 
said, " I am the resurrection, and the life. He 
that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet 



THE MORNING BEFORE A FUNERAL. 241 

shall he live." May we be enabled to look to 
Him in this blessed aspect of His character. 
Help us to extend our views forward to that 
day, when Thou shalt redeem our souls from 
the power of the grave, and when these bodies 
which are sown in corruption, dishonor, and 
weakness, shall be raised in incorruption, glory, 
and power, and that saying be brought to pass 
— ^' Death is swallowed up in victory." On that 
important and interesting day, when the world 
shall be judged in righteousness by that Jesus^ 
whom God the Father hath appointed, may we 
und all our deceased friends, appear clothed with 
His righteousness, and hear Him pronounce 
those gracious words : '^ Come ye blessed of my 
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you 
from the foundation of the world." 

Knowing these precious truths, may we be 
enabled, Lord, in the midst of our trying cir- 
cumstances, to comfort ourselves together, and 
to edify one another, ever reckoning, that '^ the 
sufferings of this present time are not worthy 
to be compared with the glory that shall be re- 
vealed in us," and being assured, "that our 
light affliction, which is but for a moment, 
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eter- 
nal weight of glory." Especially, may we, in 

21 



242 CCASIONAL PR A YERS. 

our happy experience, find our affliction so 
sanctified to us, as to lead us to sincere repen- 
tance for all our sins, wean our hearts and afiec- 
tions from the perishing things of this world, 
.and prepare us for spending at last an eternity 
of blessedness with Thee in heaven. 

Now, unto Him, who is able to keep us from 
falling, and to present us faultless before the 
presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the 
only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and ma- 
jesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. 
Amen. 



THE EVENING AFTER A FUNERAL. 

Father of mercies, and God of all consolation 
and grace ! Thou hast often invited us to Thy- 
self, by kindness; and it is evidence of our great 
depravity, that we think of Thee so little in our 
times of ease and prosperity. We are now be- 
fore Thee in affliction and distress ; but we re- 
joice to know, that Thou art a very present 
and an all-sufficient help in trouble. Thou 
takest away, and who can hinder Thee, or say 
unto Thee, What doest Thou ? Thou hast a 
right to do what Thou wilt with Thine own. 
Thou art a Sovereign, and the reasons of Thy 



THE EVENING AFTER A FUNERAL. 243 

conduct are often far above, out of our sight ; 
but Thy work is perfect, Thy ways are judg- 
ment. All Thy dispensations are wise and 
righteous, and kind — kind, even when they 
seem to be severe. 

May we hear Thy voice in Thy rod, as well 
as in Thy word; and gathering from the cor- 
rections with which we are exercised, the peace- 
able fruits of righteousness, be able to acknow- 
ledge with all our suffering brethren before us, 
" It is good for us that we have been afflicted." 
It is not Thy word only, that reminds us of our 
living in a dying world, but all observation and 
experience. Man is continually going to his 
long home, and the mourners daily go about 
the streets. And we are accomplishing as a 
hireling, our day; and in a little time our 
neighbors, friends, and relatives will seek us — 
and we shall not be. Thou hast made our days 
as a hand's breadth, and our age is as nothing 
before Thee; verily man at his best estate is 
altogether vanity. For our days are not only 
few, but full of evil. 

We acknowledge with shame and sorrow, 
that the state of degradation and mortality 
in which we groan was not our original 
condition. Thou madest man upright ; but he 



244 OCCASIONAL PBA YEBS. 

sought out many inventions. By one man sin 
entered into the world, and death by sin ; and 
so death passed upon all men, for that all have 
sinned. We bless Thee that this is not our 
final state. By the discoveries of faith, we see 
new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth 
righteousness. We see our vile bodies changed, 
and fashioned like the Saviour's own glorious 
body; and man the sinner, raised above the 
angels, who never sinned. Glory be to Thee, 
for Thy purpose of grace formed before the 
world began, and accomplished in the fulness 
of time, by the Son of Thy love, who hath 
abolished death, and brought life and immor- 
tality to light by the Gospel. 

Oh let not the trifles of time induce us to 
neglect the one thing needful. While each of 
us is compelled to say, "I know Thou wilt 
bring me to death, and to the house appointed 
for all living," may we be enabled also to say, 
" I know whom I have believed, and am per- 
suaded that He is able to keep that which I 
have committed to Him against that day." 
Let not, we beseech Thee, the solemnities in 
which we have this day participated, be ever 
forgotten; for often, our most serious impres- 
sions have worn off, and our goodness has been 



THE EVENING AFTER A FUNERAL, 245 

as the morning cloud and the early dew that 
soon pass away. 

Thou hast permitted death to invade our 
circle, and hast turned our dwelling into a house 
of mourning. May we find, that it is better to 
be in the house of mourning, than in the house 
of mirth. By the sadness of the countenance, 
may the heart be made better, more serious to 
reflect, and more softened to receive impression. 
With the feelings of the creature, may we blend 
the views and the hopes of the Christian. 
May we remember that Thou hast bereaved us, 
resuming what was lent for a season, but never 
ceased to be Thine own. May we, therefore, 
be dumb and not open our mouth, because 
Thou hast done it; or if we speak, may it be to 
acknowledge and pray— We know, Lord, that 
Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faith- 
fulness hast afflicted us; let Thy loving-kind- 
ness be for our comfort, according to Thy word. 

We now commit us to Thy care and keeping 
during the night before us. We pray Thee to 
be near unto us and to watch over us for good. 
May we awake in the morning refreshed, and 
find Thee present with us still ; and we shall 
give all the glory unto the Father, the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. 

21* 



246 OCCASIONAL PBAYEBS. 

CONSISTORIAL, OR OTHER ECCLESIASTICAL MEETING. 

Opening. 

We have convened, Lord ! at this time, to 
transact business intimately connected with the 
interests of the Kedeemer's kingdom, and the 
welfare of never-dying.- souls. Help us to real- 
ize the responsibilities which rest upon us indi- 
vidually and collectively, and our insufficiency 
of ourselves to discharge our duties aright. 
From Thee only all proper guidance and assist- 
ance must come. Do Thou, therefore, direct 
us in all our doings with Thy most gracious 
favor, and further us with Thy continual help ; 
that, in all our work, begun, continued, and end- 
ed in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy name; 
and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting 
life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



CONSISTORIAL, OR OTHER ECCLESIASTICAL MEETING. 

Close, 

We have been permitted, Lord ! to trans- 
act the business, which has caused our coming 
together at this time. Thou knowest how far 
we have therein been controlled by a sense of 
Thy presence, and our accountability to Thee. 



SOCIAL MEETING, 247 

Hast Thou seen any thing amiss in any one of 
us, do Thou, for Jesus' sake, forgive. Bless all 
our doings, so far as they accord with Thy holy 
will. May they contribute to the best interests 
of all whom they concern, and redound to the 
honor and glory of Thy great and excellent 
name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



SOCIAL MEETING. 

Opening. 

Father of mercies and God of all consolation 
and grace ! we have assembled, at this time, for 
the purpose of spending a short season together 
in exercises of religious worship. We rejoice 
that this privilege has been accorded us, and 
especially, that we have so much encourage- 
ment given us to spread our wants before Thee, 
and to seek their supply out of Thine inexhaus- 
tible fulness. that Thou wouldst look upon 
us in mercy, and, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
Thy Son, manifest Thyself graciously present 
with us and impart unto us those influences, 
which we need to approach Thee in a becoming 
and acceptable manner. 

We are sinners by nature, having come into 
this world with corrupt hearts, which incline 



248 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

US to evil continually. Our daily conduct also 
corresponds with our evil inclinations. We 
leave undone the things which we ought to do, 
and do the things which we ought not to do, 
and there is no spiritual health in us. Wert 
Thou to deal with us as our sins deserve, we 
could not stand before Thee; but must sink be- 
neath the inflictions of Thine indignation and 
wrath, into everlasting woe and despair. 

We rejoice to know, however, that, although 
such is our undone condition in and of ourselves, 
yet there is hope even for such guilty sinners as 
we are. Thou didst lay help upon one, who is 
able and mighty to save all who come unto 
Thee through Him. In Jesus Christ, Thy Son, 
there is plenteous redemption. We praise Thee 
for the rich provision Thou hast made in Him 
for the salvation of our souls; and pray, that 
Thou wouldst, for His sake, blot out all our 
transgressions, and love us freely, and do us 
good. Lift upon us the light of Thy life-giving 
and reconciled countenance, and impart unto 
us that joy and blessedness, which those ex- 
perience, whose transgressions are forgiven and 
whose sins are covered. 

Be pleased, Lord, graciously to look upon 
us, at this time, as a band of worshipers. May 



SOCIAL MEETING. 249 

the short season we spend together in our pre- 
sent capacity, be both pleasant and profitable to 
our souls, as well as redound to the glory of Thy 
great and excellent name. To this end we 
pray Thee, to preside over all the exercises in 
which we shall engage, and cause them to be, 
in all respects, such as shall be pleasing to Thee. 
Grant unto us both collectively and individually 
the several blessings our circumstances render 
necessary for us. Are we Thy children by pro- 
fession ? May we prove ourselves, by our walk 
and conversation, to be such in truth and in 
deed. For this purpose, do Thou impart unto 
us largely of the influences of Thy divine grace, 
so that we may be thoroughly furnished unto 
every good word and work. Oh that the Holy 
Ghost may constantly take up His abode with 
us, and rule in our hearts and over our lives. 
Are any of us still the children of wrath ? Do 
Thou bring us to immediate repentance, and 
conduct us to the Lamb of God, who taketh 
away the sins of the world. 

Bless the several families to which we respec- 
tively belong. May they all be families formed 
for Thine own praise ; fearing Thee and follow- 
ing after righteousness and peace. Grant that 
the individual members thereof may all be 



250 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

members of that great family, of whom Christ 
Jesus is the Head, and whose privilege it shall 
be to dwell with Him for ever in heaven. 
Look in great mercy upon the congregation 
with which we are connected. Kevive Thy 
work in the hearts of its members, and add 
unto their number daily of such as shall be 
saved. May he, who labors amongst us in holy 
things, be a man after Thine own heart, full 
of the Holy Ghost, constantly going in and out 
before us, and faithfully breaking unto us the 
bread of life. Crown his labors with the most 
abundant success. 

Bless Thy Church universal. Greatly lengthen 
her cords and strengthen her stakes. Multiply 
her ministers, as well as her membership, and 
may all be found true to their relations and 
obligations. Hasten the coming of Thy king- 
dom. Bring to naught the works of darkness, 
and cause righteousness, and peace, and joy in 
the Holy Ghost speedily everywhere to abound. 

Grant us, Lord, these our feeble requests ; 
and the glory shall be Thine, Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, in a world without end. 

Our Father, &c. . 



SOCIAL MEETING, 251 

SOCIAL MEETING. 
Close, 

Thou hast been pleased, Lord, to favor us, 
at this time, with the privilege of meeting to- 
gether in a social capacity, and of engaging, for 
a short season, in exercises of religious worship. 
"We thank Thee for this fresh token of Thy 
favor, and pray Thee to follow with Thy bless- 
ing the services in which we have been engaged, 
so far as they have-been in accordance with 
Thy will. Oh that we may all be the better, 
the happier, and the wiser, in consequence of 
the influences which have been brought to bear 
upon us at this time ! Hast Thou seen any 
thing amiss in us ? We pray Thee in mercy to 
forgive. We know that imperfection and sin 
mingle with our very best attempts to serve 
Thee. Lay not, Lord, our short-comings to 
our charge, nor suffer our sins to prove our ruin. 

When we retire from this place, accompany 
us with Thy presence and blessing into the 
busy scenes of this world. May we carry with 
us into all our pursuits, a sense of our obliga- 
tions to Thee, and prosecute our various callings 
with a direct reference to Thy righteous and 
holy will. Give us success in all our lawful 



252 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

undertakings, and keep us from everything of- 
fensive to Thee. May Thy love be shed abroad 
in our hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost, 
and we be enabled ever to exemplify in our life 
and conduct, the holy principles of the Gospel 
of Jesus Christ. Do Thou thus use us, severally, 
as instruments in Thy hands for the accomplish- 
ment of some good in our day and generation. 

Should we ever be permitted to meet again for 
social prayer, may we find Thee to be graciously 
present with us still, and that for the purpose 
of blessing us, and doing us good. Oh that 
we may all derive special pleasure from the 
services in which we thus engage, and find 
them to be highly profitable to our souls. Grant 
that Thy people everywhere, may esteem it a 
great privilege to meet often together, for the 
purpose of communing with Thee and with each 
other. May they find themselves thus greatly 
refreshed, and quickened in the ways of holy 
obedience. 

Hear us, Lord, in these our prayers. For- 
give us our sins. Bless our souls. And when 
Thou hast subserved Thy wise and holy pur- 
poses with respect to us here below, bring us 
safely home to Thyself in glory, through riches 
of grace in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 



SOCIAL MEETING. 253 

SOCIAL MEETING. 

Opening, 

Eternal and unchangeable Jehovah ! we ap- 
pear before Thee at this time as a band of 
worshipers, and desire to present to Thee our 
united sacrifice of prayer, and praise, and 
thanksgiving. Condescend to visit us in mercy, 
and manifest in our midst, that special presence 
of Thine, which Thou hast promised, where two 
or three are met together in Thy name. We 
acknowledge ourselves to be unworthy of the 
least of all Thy mercies, much less of so great 
a privilege as that of access to Thee. But we 
come to Thee, not in our name, but in the name 
of Jesus Christ Thy Son, who is worthy; and 
we pray Thee to look upon us in Him, and for 
His sake, to grant us a gracious acceptance. 

Our wants are many and great; but Thou 
canst supply them all out of Thine inexhausti- 
ble fulness. Help us at all times, to spread 
them before Thee, and especially when assem- 
bled in a capacity like the present. Our sins 
are many and highly aggravated, and might 
justly incur for us Thy sore displeasure. But 
we rejoice to know, that there is forgiveness 
with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared, yea, 
22 



254 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

plenteous redemption in Jesus Christ Thy Son. 
In ourselves also, we are wholly incapable of 
doing anything that is truly good. Thou, how- 
ever, hast declared Thy grace to be sufficient 
for us, and promised to perfect Thy strength in 
our weakness. May we realize the fulfilment 
of this declaration and promise in our happy 
experience. Manifest Thyself graciously pre- 
sent with us at all times, granting unto us the 
full and free remission of all our sins, and 
qualifying us for the faithful and successful dis- 
charge of all the duties incumbent upon us. 

We thank Thee for the numberless blessings 
and privileges we enjoy. Thou art providing 
for all our temporal wants as they return. We 
have food to eat and raiment to put on, and are 
furnished with comfortable places of abode. 
Yea, we have all that is essential to the support 
and comfort of our bodies. With these tempo- 
ral mercies. Thou art pleased also to add the 
blessings and privileges of Thy grace. We have 
Thy word in our possession to read and examine 
for ourselves, and are furnished with various 
helps to arrive at a proper knowledge of its 
sacred contents. Thy throne of grace is at all 
times accessible to us, and every encouragement 
is afforded us frequently to present ourselves 



SOCIAL MEETING. 255 

before it. Thou art also favoring us with the 
privileges of social worship. Thou hast given 
unto us the living ministry, and dost grant us 
Thy Sabbaths, with the ordinances of Thy 
house, and all the blessings and privileges, 
which are peculiar to Thy Sabbaths in a Chris- 
tian land. We praise Thee for all the mercies, 
both temporal and spiritual. Thou art thus 
pleased to bestow upon us, and pray for grace 
and strength to appreciate them as we ought, 
and to improve them to the purpose for which 
they have been given. 

Bless us, at this time, both collectively and 
individually. Pour out upon us largely of the 
graces of Thy Holy Spirit. May we all be 
made Thy children, and constituted heirs of 
heaven. Help us to walk worthy of our high 
and holy vocation, so that we may glorify Thee, 
our Father, and our God, in our bodies and with 
our spirits, which are Thine. Look in mercy 
upon the congregation from which we are 
gathered together. Grant unto it peace and 
prosperity. May its pastor be found faithful 
to his important trust, and prove instrumental 
in Thy hands in accomplishing much good. 
May Thy children be built up in their most 
holy faith, and sinners converted unto Thee. 



256 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

Greatly prosper Thy Church every where. 
Multiply converts to the faith of Thy Son. 
Largely increase the number of ministers of the 
Gospel. Qualify them for their work, and make 
them successful in it. Let Thy kingdom 
speedily come, and Thy will be done on earth 
as in heaven. 

Be with us, whilst we shall continue together 
in our present capacity. Preside over all the 
exercises in which we shall engage, and over- 
rule them for the good of our souls, and the 
glory of Thy name. We ask all in the name, 
and for the sake of Him, who hath taught us, 
when addressing Thee, to say. 

Our Father, &c. 



SOCIAL MEETING. 

Close. 

Our Father, who art in heaven ! we praise 
Thee, that Thou hast made us rational and in- 
telligent creatures, capable of knowing, and 
loving, and serving Thee, the living and true 
God; and hast placed us in circumstances 
highly favorable to the development of these 
holy and heavenly principles of our nature. 
We would especially thank Thee for the privi- 



SOCIAL MEETING. 257 

lege we have enjoyed of meeting together at 
this time to worship Thee. May the exercises 
in which we have been engaged, be greatly pro- 
fitable to our souls. Grant that the impressions 
we have received, may all be deepened, and re- 
sult in bringing forth permanent fruit in our 
lives. 

We are Thy professed children. May we be 
such in truth and in deed, and walk, in all re- 
spects, worthy of our high and holy vocation. 
We know that, in and of ourselves, we are in- 
capable of doing anything, that is truly good. 
All our hope is in Thee and all our help must 
come from Thee. Do Thou, therefore, manifest 
Thyself present with us at all times, guiding 
us in all our ways, and strengthening us for the 
faithful performance of every duty. May we 
steadfastly resist every temptation to evil, and 
cleave only to that which is pleasing to Thee. 
May the influence we exert be ever such as 
shall tell favorably upon the interests of all 
with whom we have to do, and redound greatly 
to the glory of Thy high and exalted name. 

Grant that all, in every place, who profess to 
be Thine, may be true to their relations and 
obligations. May they ever regard themselves 
as not their own, but as belonging to their faith- 

22* 



258 OCCASIONAL PBAYEBS, 

ful Saviour Jesus Christ, and glorify Thee, both 
with their bodies and spirits, which are Thine. 
May the number of Thy faithful followers be 
greatly multiplied. To this end do Thou con- 
vert sinners from the error of their ways, to 
the service of Thee, the living and true God. 
Bless all the instrumentalities Thou art pleased 
to employ for this purpose, and succeed them 
in the end, whereunto they are sent. Hasten 
thus the coming of Thy kingdom and fill the 
whole earth with Thy glory. 

Hear us, at this time, in our prayers. For- 
give whatsoever Thou mayest have seen amiss 
in our attempts to serve Thee. Let Thy bless- 
ing attend us throughout the whole journey of 
life, and at last, when we are done serving Thee 
on earth, permit us to enter into the joys of 
heaven through riches of grace in Christ Jesus 
our Lord. Amen. 



MONTHLY CONCERT FOR MISSIONS. 259 

MONTHLY CONCERT FOR MISSIONS. 
Ojpening. 

Through Thy good providence over us, O 
Lord, have we been permitted to assemble at 
this time, for the purpose of imploring Thy 
mercy and supplicating Thy favor upon a per- 
ishing world. May we be duly sensible of the 
nature of the circumstances in which we are 
thus placed, and enabled to present before Thee 
a sacrifice, which shall be acceptable in Thy 
sight through Jesus Christ our Lord, our 
Strength, and our Redeemer. 

We desire to acknowledge Thee as the Fa- 
ther of all flesh, who hast made of one blood all 
the nations of men to dwell on the face of all 
the earth ; and hast fixed the bounds of their 
habitation. Thou upholdest all in being ; pro- 
videst for their wants ; causest Thy sun to rise 
on the evil and on the good, and sendest rain 
on the just and on the unjust. We rejoice, 
our Father, and thank Thee for Thy goodness 
to all men. We praise Thee that Thou hast 
had mercy on the human family, and hast pro- 
vided a plan of salvation, adapted to the wants 
of all mankind. Especially would we thank 
Thee, that we are permitted to rejoice in the 



260 OCCASIONAL PBAYEBS. 

blessings of this salvation, and we pray that 
we may feel properly concerned for the interests 
of those, who are still deprived of the privileges 
we thus enjoy. Thou hast promised, in rela- 
tion to the spread and final triumph of the 
Gospel of Thy dear Son, that the heathen shall 
be given to Him for His inheritance and the 
uttermost parts of the earth for His possession ; 
and that the desert shall bud and blossom as 
the rose, and the wilderness and solitary place 
shall be glad. We rejoice in view of these 
promises, and would take encouragement from 
them to labor and pray for the coming of Thy 
kingdom. 

Look down in mercy upon us and on all who 
have at this time assembled to supplicate Thy 
blessing on a fallen world. Impart to us and 
all Thy people a spirit of grace and supplication. 
May all approach Thy throne with humble 
hearts; with true faith; and with earnest de- 
sires, that Thy kingdom may come and Thy 
will be done on earth as in heaven. May we 
feel that we are pleading for the salvation of a 
dying world ; and give Thee no rest until the 
righteousness of Zion go forth as brightness, and 
her salvation as a lamp that burneth. Do Thou 
graciously hear and answer our supplications. 



MONTHL Y CONCERT FOR MISSIONS. 261 

Look in mercj upon a ruined world. Pity 
the nations that are sitting in the region and 
shadow of death ; and may the Sun of right- 
eousness arise upon them with healing in his 
beams. May the dark places of the earthy now 
full of the habitations of cruelty, become the 
dwelling-place of righteousness, and the abodes 
of peace. May the ignorant be enlightened; 
the wretched comforted, and the oppressed go 
free. May the glorious Gospel shed its blessings 
on all the nations of the earth; and all the 
means now used to advance the glory of the 
latter day, be crowned with success. 

Be with those, most merciful Father, who 
have gone to other lands, to make known the 
unsearchable riches of Christ. Impart unto 
them much of the Spirit of Thy dear Son. 
Give them wisdom to direct them; grace to 
support them in all their trials, and success in 
all their efforts. Make them burning and 
shining lights among the nations. May they 
be kept from sin and temptation ; from despon- 
dency and doubt ; from persecution and want. 
In all their trials, may they stay themselves on 
Thee, and ever have an unshaken confidence 
in the promises of Thy holy word. Keep, by 
Thy mighty power, all who 'among the heathen 



262 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

have been converted to the Christian faith. 
Preserve them from temptation and apostacy. 
Afford them light and strength as they need, and 
amid all the trials with which they may meet, 
may they find Thee to be a present help, a rcr 
fuge, and a strength. May they see more and 
more of the beauty of that religion which they 
profess, and daily rejoice more and more in 
hope of the glory of God. 

Eemember, in much mercy, the destitute in 
our own land. Send them the living ministry, 
with all the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus 
Christ. May Thy work greatly prosper amongst 
them ; and the voice of praise and thanksgiving 
be continually heard in all their dwellings. 
Infuse into all Thy people a proper missionary 
spirit, so that they may deeply sympathize 
with the destitute and the perishing, and cheer- 
fully contribute of their substance, and labor by 
every other means in their power, to extend 
the blessings of salvation unto all who are des- 
titute of them. Multiply missionaries of the 
cross of Christ. Qualify them for their work ; 
send them forth into every portion of Thy 
moral vineyard, and give them success in all 
their labors of love. 

"We beseech Thee also, to advance all the 



MONTHL Y CONCERT FOB MISSIONS. 263 

great interests of man. May the blessings of 
civil and religious freedom, of Christian educa- 
tion^ and of peace, be everywhere enjoyed. May 
wars and rumors of wars cease. May the sword 
be beat into a ploughshare, and the spear into 
a pruning hook, and nations learn war no more. 
Let the mild and peaceful principles of Thy 
glorious Gospel everywhere prevail, and the 
ends of the earth be soon filled with Thy glory. 
Graciously hear us, at this time, in our sup- 
plications. Remit unto us all our sins. Preside 
over the exercises in which we shall still further 
be engaged ; and overrule all for the good of 
bur souls, the interests of Thy kingdom and the 
glory of Thy name ; and thine shall be all the 
praise, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, both now 
and in a world without end. Amen. 



MONTHLY CONCERT FOR MISSIONS. 

Close, 

Our Father, who art in heaven, we approach 
Thee once more at the close of our present reli- 
gious services, and would thank Thee for all 
Thy mercies and invoke Thy divine blessing on 
us and on all mankind. We would especially 
praise Thee that we have been born in a Chris- 



264 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

tian land, and that we are still favored with 
the privileges of Thy Gospel, notwithstanding 
we have failed to appreciate and improve them 
as we ought to have done. Millions of our fel- 
low beings also, are at this time sitting in the 
region and shadow of death. On them no light 
has arisen, and none have gone to break to 
them the bread of eternal life. Make us sen- 
sible of Thy distinguishing mercy to us. May 
we remember, that where much is given, much 
will be required; and that soon we must ap- 
pear at Thy bar, with an assembled world, to 
render an account for the improvement of all 
our privileges. And whilst we are duly care- 
ful of our own mercies, may we be properly 
concerned to extend the blessings of Thy grace 
and salvation unto all who are destitute of 
them. 

Be pleased to hear the prayers which have at 
this time been offered in behalf of Thy Zion. 
Grant an answer to the desires and supplica- 
tions of Thy people. Send out Thy light and 
Thy truth into the world, and let all nations be 
blessed with the Gospel of Thy grace. We 
commend to Thee Thine own cause. Look in 
mercy upon every portion of mankind. May 
Thy people be more deeply impressed with the 



MONTHL Y CONCERT FOR MISSIONS. 265 

wants and woes of their fellow-beings. May 
they more and more deny themselves ; feel more 
deeply afflicted in view of all the miseries and 
crimes of our race, and be more earnestly de- 
sirous that all nations should hear Thy Gospel. 
We commend to Thy care all Missionary, 
Tract, Bible, and Education Societies, and all 
the institutions of benevolence in our land and 
throughout the world. May those, who are 
called, in Thy Providence, to direct the chari- 
ties of Thy people, and to preside in the insti- 
tutions of benevolence, be endowed with true 
wisdom, with conscientiousness, with a spirit of 
prayer, and with deep and expansive benevo- 
lence. May they ever feel their responsibility, 
and in all their deliberations be conducted to 
such results, as shall be for the glory of Thy 
name, and for the speedy and universal exten- 
sion of the Gospel among the nations of the 
earth. We pray that true religion may be 
every where revived. We beseech Thee to 
send forth more laborers into the harvest. May 
all our schools and colleges be under Thy fos- 
tering care, and may the young men of this 
land, and this generation, be imbued with the 
spirit of self-denial, and with a readiness to obey 
Thy call in diffusing the blessings of civilization 
23 



266 OCCASIONAL PBAYEBS. 

and Christianity among all men. May every 
continent and island partake of Thy blessing, 
and every nation and tribe speedily hear in 
their own language, the wonderful works of 
God. Let Thy holy word be translated into all 
the languages of the earth, and every habita- 
tion of man be soon blessed with the inestima- 
ble treasure of life. 

Our prayers, Lord, are before Thee. Hear 
Thou us in mercy, and answer us in peace; and 
do unto us, as well as unto all for whom we 
should pray, as Thou seest we severally need, 
and at last, when Thou hast subserved Thy 
wise and holy purposes with us here below, 
admit us all into Thy kingdom above, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONCERT, OR TEACHERS MEETING. 

Opening. 

O Lord, our God ! Thou art infinitely great 
and infinitely good. Thy glory is above all our 
thoughts, and Thy mercies are over all Thy 
works. We have assembled at this time, for 
the purpose of commending to Thee, a cause, 
whose interests lie near our hearts, and inti- 
mately involve the welfare of souls and the 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONCERT. 267 

glory of Thy name. We thank Thee, that 
Thou hast caused Sunday-schools to be estab- 
lished, in which the young are taught the 
things which relate to the interests of Thy 
kingdom and the salvation of their souls ; and 
we humbly implore Thy blessing upon all, who 
are engaged in them either as teachers or as 
learners. 

Enlighten by Thy Holy Spirit those who are 
teachers, that they may truly understand Thy 
word. Make them the true friends of Jesus 
Christ. May they be endowed with His spirit 
of self-denial, patience, humility, and- prayer. 
May they evermore copy the example of Him, 
who, when on earth, said. Suffer little children, 
and forbid them not to come unto Me. While 
they are engaged in instructing the rising gen- 
eration, in leading others to the cross of Christ, 
may they themselves be interested in Thy 
promises, and sanctified by all their efforts to 
promote Thy glory. And grant, gracious 
God, that their labors may be attended with 
Thy blessing. 

Do Thou send down Thy Spirit on all Sun- 
day-schools, that the rising generation may 
grow up in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 
and in preparation for great usefulness in the 



268 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

Churcli, and in the State. May Schools be es- 
tablished in all destitute places of our land; 
and all the means used to enlarge and perpetu- 
.ate these blessings be crowned with success. 
Never suffer the zeal of Thy people to languish 
in this cause, or Thy ministers to forget their 
obligations to use every influence in their power, 
to promote the religious training of the rising 
generation. Hear and answer the prayers 
which have been, or still may be, offered in be- 
half of Sunday-schools, by those who feel in- 
terested in their prosperity. Excite in all Thy 
people -a spirit of benevolence, and fill the whole 
earth with Thy glory. 

Manifest Thyself graciously present with us, 
whilst we continue together in our present ca- 
pacity. Preside over the exercises in which we 
shall be engaged. May they all be of such a 
character, as shall best subserve the object of 
our coming together. May we all be stirred up 
to increased zeal and activity in the particular 
cause in which we are engaged. Bless the 
School [Schools] whose interests are now espe- 
cially represented in this assembly. May all 
the teachers prove faithful to their responsible 
trust; and may those committed to their care, 
greatly profit by the instructions they receive. 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONCERT. 269 

Thus may our School [Schools] be instrumental 
in accomplishing much good j and all who are 
connected with it [them] either as teachers or 
scholars, be fitted for serving Thee faithfully in 
their day and generation^ and permitted at last 
to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in 
the kingdom of heaven. 

"We ask these mercies and blessings in the 
name and for the sake of Him, who taught us, 
when addressing Thee, to say, 

Our Father, &c. 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONCERT OR TEACHERS* MEETING. 

Close, 

Once more, Lord, would we draw near to 
Thee, and present before Thee our supplica- 
tion and prayer. Look upon us in mercy, and 
for the sake of Jesus Christ Thy Son, confer 
upon us the blessings we crave in accordance 
with Thy will. 

We thank Thee for the privilege w^e have en- 
joyed of meeting together at the present time, 
and engaging in' the services which have occu- 
pied our attention. Follow with Thy blessing 
all that Thou canst approve, and forgive what- 
soever Thou hast seen amiss. Look with spe- 

23* 



270 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS, 

cial favor upon the cause of Sunday-schools. 
May the instruction imparted in these Schools, 
so far as it accords with Thy word, be accom- 
panied by the influences of Thy Holy Spirit, so 
that it may be deeply impressed on the heart, 
and produce abundant fruit in the life. Give 
grace to those, who are teachers, that they may 
be deeply impressed with their responsibility. 
Grant that they themselves may be Thy chil- 
dren, and engage in their work with an earnest 
desire to benefit those entrusted to their charge. 
May their minds be enlightened, that they may 
understand Thy word. May they see clearly 
the great plan of redeeming mercy. May they 
be enabled to present Thy truth simply, clear- 
ly, with affection and with prayer. May the 
Holy Spirit, the Comforter, be given them, to 
guide them into all truth. 

And be pleased, Lord, to bless all the chil- 
dren in Sunday-schools. Preside over them, 
and guide them by Thy Holy Spirit. Grant to 
them teachable minds. May they learn the 
paths of wisdom, and delight in instruction. 
May their hearts be given to their Saviour in 
their early years. May they come unto Him, 
who, when on earth, said, Suffer little children, 
and forbid them not to come unto Me; for of 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONCERT. 271 

such is the kingdom of heaven. Take, bless- 
ed Saviour, those lambs of the flock into Thine 
arms, and guide them by Thine unerring coun- 
sel. Defend them from the perils and tempta- 
tions of life; and conduct them to the joys of 
thine everlasting kingdom. 

Bless especially the children of the School 
[Schools] represented in this assembly. May 
they be trained up in the knowledge of Thy 
name; and may the instruction imparted to 
them in accordance with Thy word, be attended 
with Thy blessing, and be the means of fitting 
them for the duties of this life, and for dwelling 
with Thee at last forever in heaven. 

These mercies, Lord, and everything else 
Thou seest to be needful for us, or for the cause 
more especially remembered before Thee at this 
time, we humbly ask in the name of Thy Son, 
Jesus Christ, our most gracious Lord and Re- 
deemer. Amen. 



272 OCCASIONAL PEAYEES, 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

Opening. 

Through Thy good providence over us, 
Lord, have we been permitted to assemble at 
this time as a Sunday-school. We thank Thee 
for the privilege we thus enjoy ; and pray for 
grace and strength to appreciate it aright and to 
improve it to the purpose for which it has been 
given. Of ourselves we are insufficient for the 
right performance of any duty. It is in Thy 
strength only that we can do all things. Oh 
that Thou wouldst, therefore, look upon us in 
mercy, and for the sake of Jesus Christ Thy 
Son, impart unto us the influences we severally 
need. 

May those of us, who are teachers in this 
Sunday-school, possess the spirit of our stations 
and be enabled to discharge our duties faithful- 
ly in Thy fear. May we realize our responsi- 
bility, and labor as those who know that they 
must give an account. Grant that we ourselves 
may properly apprehend the truths of the Gos- 
pel, and be personally interested in its great 
salvation, so that we may successfully recom- 
mend them to others. Especially may he, to 
whom the management of this School is more 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL, 273 

particularly entrusted, receive that wisdom from 
above, which is profitable to- direct. And may 
our united efforts be owned and blessed unto 
the end whereunto they are sent. 

Look, in great mercy, upon the children gath- 
ered into this Sunday-school. May their souls 
be precious in Thy sight. Open their hearts 
for the reception of thy truth. May they real- 
ize, that they have never-dying souls to save, 
and be enabled to remember Thee, their Crea- 
tor, in the days of their youth. Oh that they 
may early betake themselves to that Saviour, 
who only can save them from their sins. Do 
Thou shield them against the various unhal- 
lowed influences to which they are exposed. 
And may the instruction imparted to them in 
the Sunday-school, sink deep into their hearts, 
and bring forth appropriate fruit in their lives. 
Bless the families from which they have gather- 
ed together. May they all be families fearing 
Thee, and following after righteousness and 
peace. 

Look favorably upon the whole Sunday-school 
cause. Establish Schools in every place, where 
they do not already exist; and may they, 
through Thy blessing, be instrumental in ac- 
complishing much good. 



274 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

Hear us, Lord, at this time in our prayers. 
Fully and freely remit unto us all our sins. 
And grant that we may all so conduct ourselves, 
in the midst of our mercies and privileges, that, 
at last, we shall be able to render our account 
unto Thee with joy and not with grief; and all 
we ask is in the name and for the sake of Jesus 
Christ our Eedeemer, to whom with Thee, the 
Father, and the Holy Spirit be ascribed present 
and eternal praises. Amen. 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

Close. 

Almighty and most merciful God! at the 
close of the exercises of our School, we would 
once more draw near unto Thee in prayer, in 
the name of Jesus Christ Thy Son. Look upon 
us with favor, and command upon us the bless- 
ings we need, and which Thou and Thou only 
hast to bestow. 

We thank Thee for the privilege of meeting 
together once more as a Sunday-school, and at- 
tending to the exercises which devolve upon us 
in this capacity. Follow with Thy blessing, 
the instruction imparted this day in this and 
every other Sunday-school. May the truths 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 275 

of Thy holy word be deeply impressed on the 
minds of the children, and may they grow up 
in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ the 
Saviour. May those truths so influence their 
minds and hearts, as to guide and comfort them 
in all the journey of life. Grant, Lord, that 
as they advance in years, they may evince the 
benefits of the instruction received in the Sun- 
day-school; and that this generation may be 
trained up devoted to Thy cause, and prepared 
to promote Thy glory, when their parents and 
teachers shall have descended to the tomb. 

Be pleased also graciously to bless the teach- 
ers in this and every other Sunday-school. 
Let their hearts be comforted by seeing the 
work of the Lord prospering in their hands. In 
their own souls, may they experience the re- 
ward of their self-denials and toils; and in thine 
everlasting kingdom may they at last be ad- 
mitted to a seat at Thy right hand, with thou- 
sands saved by 'the instrumentality of Sunday- 
schools. 

Dismiss us with Thy blessing. Forgive 
whatsoever Thou hast seen amiss in us, wheth- 
er as teachers or scholars ; and may we so con- 
duct ourselves in our journey through life, that 
at last, when our Sunday mercies and privi- 



276 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

leges on earth shall end, we may be permitted 
to spend an eternal Sabbath of blessedness with 
Thee in heaven, through riches of grace in 
Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 



WEEK DAY SCHOOL. 

opening. 

Almighty God ! who hast made all things by 
Thy power, and by whose word they are and 
were created; we desire to humble ourselves 
before Thee for all our sins ; and to pray that 
we may be saved by His merits, who came to 
seek and to save those who are lost. Bless us 
each one as we severally need. Do good to our 
friends and benefactors. May we forgive all 
those, who have wronged us, as we need and 
hope for Thy forgiveness, whom we have so 
greatly provoked and injured. 

Look with special favor upon those now before 
Thee, who are still in the morning of life, that 
season so favorable for religious impression. 
May they have a deep sense of the worth of 
their souls, and of the importance of Thy favor. 
Make them early acquainted with the ways of 
Christ. May they love their blessed Redeemer, 
and gratefully devote themselves to His service. 



WEEK DAY SCHOOL. 277 

Sanctify to them the instruction which they 
here receive, and whilst their minds become ex- 
panded with knowledge, may their hearts be 
filled with Thy grace. 

May they duly honor their parents; be re* 
spectful to their superiors, and kind to one an- 
other. Possess them with a spirit of meekness 
and humility, of truth and faithfulness. May 
they buy the truth and sell it not. Help them 
to consider in what slippery paths their feet 
stand, and to keep in view that solemn account, 
which they must render to Thee of the deeds 
done in the body. 

Impress the hearts of us all with grateful sen- 
timents for the manifold expressions of divine 
goodness to us. May we especially feel thank- 
ful to Thee for the light of this morning, and 
for the ease and comfort we enjoy. Give us 
this day our daily bread. Order all our cir- 
cumstances in mercy. Prepare us for the so- 
lemnities of death. And when heart and flesh 
shall fail, will God then be the strength of our 
hearts and our portion forever; and all the 
glory shall be to the Eternal God, Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. 



24 



278 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

WEEK DAY SCHOOL. 

Close. 

Our Father, who art in heaven ! we. Thy 
children, desire to draw near unto Thee, and 
to worship before the Lord our Maker. Thou 
hast created us, and in Thy sovereign goodness, 
hast made us wiser than the beasts of the field, 
or the fowls of the air; and hast given us 
minds capable of knowing, loving, and enjoying 
Thee, whose favor is life. To Thee are we 
indebted for all we possess, and to Thee would 
we desire to make those returns of gratitude 
and obedience, which are justly Thy due. 

Look upon us at this time with special favor, 
and grant us the blessings we need. Mercifully 
regard the youth, who attend here for purposes 
of instruction. May they, in this important 
part of their existence, attain to that knowledge, 
and acquire those principles of conduct, which 
shall render them blessings to their friends and 
society, and ornaments to religion. Bless the 
families of which they are severally members; 
and may they who are entrusted with their 
education, feel the importance of bringing them 
up in the way in which they should go, that 
when they are old, they may not depart from 



WEEK DA Y SCHO OL. 279 

it. Early possess their hearts by Thy heaven- 
ly grace. May they be sober, just, holy, and 
temperate in all things. May they be obedient 
to their parents, and return with grateful love, 
the kindness of those, who have supported and 
protected them in past days. Lead them not 
into temptation, but deliver them from evil. 
May they seek the Lord while He is to be 
found, and call upon Him while He is near. 

Bless our fellow-men, whom Thou hast taught 
us to love. Bless the land in which we dwell, 
and make this the glory of all lands. May the 
rising generation be a seed to serve Thee. 
Forgive the sins which any of us have com- 
mitted against Thee this day. Make us all 
Thy children. Fit us to serve Thee here and 
to enjoy Thee forever. 

These things we humbly crave, through the 
infinite merits of the divine Redeemer, to whom, 
with the Father of mercies, and the Spirit of 
truth, be rendered all honor, glory, and praise, 
world without end. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS 



BEFORE CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION. 

O Lord my God ! I thank Thee, that Thou 
hast created me a rational and intelligent crea- 
ture, capable of knowing, loving, serving, and 
enjoying Thee, the living and true God. Espe- 
cially would I praise Thee, that Thou hast 
placed me in circumstances so favorable to the 
development of the high, holy, and heavenly 
principles of my nature. I humbly beseech 
Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, to 
look upon me in mercy, and to grant me grace 
to appreciate all my privileges aright, and to 
improve them to the purposes for which they 
have been given. 

As TIiou hast especially favored me abun- 
dantly with the means of instruction, in things 
that concern my soul's eternal peace, may I 
profit greatly by them. To this end, I entreat 
Thee, to look with special favor upon him, who 
is called to be my instructor in spiritual things. 
280 



BEFORE CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION. 281 

Give him that wisdom from above which is pro- 
fitable to direct. May he have enlarged views 
of divine truth, and be enabled to communicate 
them clearly and forcibly to others. May he 
especially feel deeply interested in the welfare 
of the youth committed to his charge, and labor 
diligently for the salvation of their souls ! Let 
the influences of the Holy Ghost accompany 
all the instruction imparted in accordance with 
Thy will, and make it productive of much good. 
Help me to listen attentively to all that is 
said; and may I carefully treasure it up in my 
heart, and permit it to bring forth fruit in my 
life ! May I be led by Thy grace to see and to 
feel my exceeding sinfulness before Thee, and 
my consequent helplessness and misery ! At 
the same time, do Thou conduct me to the 
Lord Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God, that 
taketh away the sins of the world, and help me 
to receive and trust in Him as my only Saviour. 
Thus, may I be fitted for Thy service on earth, 
and be prepared for having administered unto 
me, at last, an abundant entrance into Thine 
everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ, my 
Lord and Hedeemer. Amen. 



24* 



282 PBA YERS FOR CA TECHUMENS. 



AFTER CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION". 

Father of mercies, and God of all consolation 
and grace, to Thee would I once more lift up 
my heart, in humble supplication and prayer. 
Do Thou look on me with favor, and, for the 
sake of Jesus Christ, impart to me the blessings 
I need and which Thou, and Thou only hast to 
bestow! I am a poor, sinful worm of the dust. 
My heart, by nature, is exceedingly corrupt, so 
that I am inclined to evil continually. If left 
to myself, I shall ever go astray from Thee, the 
living and true God, and involve myself in all 
the fearful consequences of sin and transgres- 
sion. Have Thou mercy on me, and lead me, 
by repentance and faith, to the Lord Jesus 
Christ, the Saviour of the world ! 

To this end especially, I pray Thee, to bless 
the means of instruction with which Thou hast 
favored me. May the teachings of Thy holy 
word, which I have this day heard from the 
mouth of Thy servant, make a deep and lasting 
impression on my heart, and bring forth the 
peaceable fruits of righteousness in my life ! 
Especially may Thy Holy Spirit take of the 
things of Christ, and show them unto me, that 
so my heart and affections may become entirely 



BEFORE CONFIRMATION. 283 

weaned from this world, and set wholly on Thee 
and divine things. Do Thou not only incline 
me to profess Christ before men, but also enable 
me to make such profession honestly and intel- 
ligently, so that, by Thy grace, I may ever 
thereafter walk worthy of my high and holy 
vocation. I ask these mercies in the name and 
for the sake of Jesus Christ Thy Son. Amen. 



BEFORE CONFIRMATION OR PUBLIC PROFESSION OF 
FAITH. 

In fervent supplication and prayer would I, 

Lord, humbly draw near to Thee at this time. 

1 am placed in circumstances of special interest 
and solemnity. Thou hast been pleased to fa- 
vor me with the means of instruction in spiri- 
tual and divine things; and through the influ- 
ence thereof, accompanied by the operations of 
the Holy Ghost, I trust I have been brought to 
see my lost and ruined condition as a sinner 
before Thee, and led to embrace, with a believ- 
ing and penitent heart, the rich provisions of 
salvation furnished in and through the gift of 
Thine own Son. I would praise Thee with 
my whole heart for all that Thou hast done 
for me. 



284 PRAYEBS FOB CATECHUMENS. 

And now, as I am about publicly to profess 
my faith in Jesus Christ, and thus to take on 
me my covenant vows and engagements to be 
forever Thine, and to unite with Thy people in 
observing the Saviour's dying command, may I 
be fitted for the solemn work before me. I feel 
that, in and of myself, I am wholly unequal to 
what is required at my hands ; but my hope, 
as well as my help, is in Thee. Do Thou, 
therefore, for the sake of Jesus Christ my Lord, 
impart to me the influences I need. 

Help me, humbly, penitently, and believing- 
ly to approach Thine altar, and there sincerely 
and devoutly to take on me my solemn vows; 
and when I appear at the table of my dying 
Lord, may I sensibly realize His presence, and 
be enabled to feed by faith upon His crucified 
body and shed blood. Oh that this solemn sea- 
son may prove indeed a feast of fat things to 
my soul ! And, when I shall have come down 
from this mount of privileges, help me ever so 
to live and act, that, when the course of this 
present life shall have been run, I may be privi- 
leged to spend an eternity of blessedness with 
Thee, in heaven, through Jesus Christ my 
Lord. Amen. 



AFTER C0NFIB3IATI0N, 285 

AFTER CONFIRMATION OR PUBLIC PROFESSION OF 
FAITH. 

Almighty and most merciful God, I once 
more prostrate myself before Thy throne of 
grace, and humbly supplicate Thy favor and 
love. I have been permitted to enroll myself 
among the followers of the Lamb. My vows 
have been laid at Thine altar [and the trans- 
action has been sealed over the emblems of the 
Saviour's broken body and shed blood]. No 
longer am I my own ; but I belong to my faith- 
ful Saviour, Jesus Christ. I thank Thee for 
the high and holy privilege thus conferred on 
me ; and would rejoice still further in anticipa- 
tion of the unknown joys, which await Thy 
children in the world to come. 

Help me, Lord, to prove faithful to my 
covenant vows and engagements. Many are 
the -temptations and dangers, to which I am 
continually exposed ; and such is my weakness, 
that I am wholly insufficient of myself to pass 
through them without being overwhelmed. 
But Thou hast promised, that Thy grace shall 
be sufficient for me, and Thy strength perfected 
in my weakness. Verify Thy promise in a 
blessed experience ! Have me at all times in 



286 PRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS. 

Thy holy care and keeping. Mark out plainly 
before me the path of duty, and help me to 
walk steadfastly therein, turning neither to the 
right nor to the left. 

May it be my constant aim, as well as my 
highest delight, to seek the temporal as well as 
the eternal interests of my fellow-men ; and 
may I cheerfully use, for this purpose, all the 
gifts, with which Thou shalt be pleased to in- 
trust me. Impart to me largely of the influ- 
ences of the Holy Ghost, so that I may be 
guided in the way of all truth, and at all times 
share abundantly the consolations of Thy grace. 
Guard me against every species of sin and 
transgression, and help me to go up through 
this wilderness-world, leaning on Jesus as the 
beloved of my soul, so that, when the conflicts 
of this life shall end, I may rejoice in the vic- 
tory which Thou givest to Thy children, 
through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 



MISCELLANEOUS PETITIONS 



For Direction in any important Concern. 

Thou God of wisdom and love ! we desire 
to acknowledge Thee in all our ways. Be 
pleased, according to Thine own word of prom- 
ise, to direct our paths, at all times, and espe- 
cially in the important matter now claiming 
our attention. Show us the way in which we 
should go, and help us to pursue such measures, 
as shall be most for our comfort and usefulness, 
and for the glory of Thy name. Prosper us, 
we entreat Thee, in our undertaking, and give 
us the satisfaction to find that we have done 
what was right. Let integrity and uprightness 
ever preserve us ; for we wait on Thee. 



•^ The paragraphs under this head, may be either used sepa- 
rately, or added to the regular prayers, at some suitable place, 
such as 18 indicated by * *. 

287 



288 MISCELLANEO US PETITIONS, 

For a Young Person going from Home, with a 
View to obtain an Education, or 'prepare for 
Business. 

We acknowledge Thy Providence, God, in 
all that concerns the welfare of our family, and 
would now commit to Thy care, the young per- 
son about to leave it, in order to prepare for his 
future employment in life. We pray Thee 
graciously to direct his steps. Let Thy wisdom 
be his guide, and Thy power his defence. Keep 
him from all the temptations to which his situ- 
ation may expose him. Give him favor with 
those, among whom he shall reside, and make 
him faithful to the trust that shall be reposed 
in him. May he be diligent in business, and, 
at the same time, fervent in spirit, serving the 
Lord. Keep him from the snares of evil com- 
pany, and from the influence of all youthful 
lusts. Fit him for an honorable and useful 
station in life, and make him a blessing to the 
world and to the Church. In all his gettings, 
may he get understanding, and secure that bet- 
ter part, which shall not be taken away from 
him. 



MISCELLANEO US PETITIONS. 289 

For One going or gone on a Journey, 

To Thy care and blessing, God ! we com- 
mit the member of this family, who ^5 about to 
go \lias gone'] a journey. Graciously be pleased 
to keep him from all the evils of the way. 
Grant Jiim a comfortable interview with friends, 
and success in the particular object of the jour- 
ney; and return him to his home in health 
and safety. Preserve us all going out and 
coming in, from this time forth and forever; 
and especially keep us from sin. 

For One expecting the Time of Travail. 

We humbly entreat Thy favorable regard 
towards Thy hand-maid expecting the hour of 
nature's sorrow. Be pleased to carry her safely 
to and through it. Help her to trust in Thee, 
and do Thou manifest Thy delivering mercy, 
so as to give us renewed occasion to rejoice in 
Thee as the God of salvation, to whom belong 
the issues from death. May every addition to 
this family be made in mercy, and do Thou 
give us a name better than that of sons and 
daughters. 



25 



290 MISCELLANEOUS PETITIONS. 

For Bain in Time of Drought, 

We confess, Lord, that we have abused 
Thy goodness to us, so as richly to deserve, that 
Thou shouldst cause the heavens over us to be 
as brass, and the earth under us as iron ; but 
we pray that Thou wouldst have mercy upon 
us in Jesus Christ Thy Son, and save us from 
the calamities, with which we are threatened. 
Do Thou open the windows of heaven, and 
cause the rain to come down in its season; 
making grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs 
and fruits of the earth for the service of men. 
And howsoever Tiiou shalt be pleased to deal 
with us, keep us from murmuring or repining 
at Thy providences. May all things be found 
to work together for our good. 



For Fair Weather in Time of excessive Rain, 

We pray Thee, Father of mercies 1 to put 
a stop to the calamity that threatens destruc- 
tion to the works of Thy hands; that the rain, 
which is Thy blessing, may not be turned into 
a curse, nor descend from heaven to corrupt 
and spoil the fruits of the earth. Cause the 
overflowing showers to cease, which dampen the 



MISCELLANEOUS PETITIONS. 291 

joy of harvest, and endanger the blasting of 
Thy blessings. May the products of the earth 
be preserved to satisfy the wants of Thy crea- 
tures. 



Thanhsgiving for Deliverance from immment 
Danger. 

Thou kind Shepherd of Israel ! unto Thee 
we tender our unfeigned thanksgiving for the 
seasonable deliverance Thou hast wrought out 
for a member of this family, in time of imminent 
danger. In Thy hand our breath is, and Thine 
are all our ways. Thou keepest our eyes from 
tears, our feet from falling, and our souls from 
death. Help us ever to put our trust in Thee, 
and to consecrate the lives, which Thou hast 
preserved, to Thy service and honor. 



Thanhsgiving for a Safe Return from a Journey, 

Praised be Thy goodness, Thou God of our 
lives ! for the protection Thou hast afforded to 
a member of this family amidst the dangers of 
a journey. Make us duly sensible of our obli- 
gations to Thy providential care ; and do Thou 
continue to watch over us at home or abroad. 



292 MISCELLANEO US PETITIONS. 

Grant that while we live, and move, and have 
our being in Thee, we may live to Thy praise. 
Preserve us in the great journey of life, and 
bring us safe to our eternal home. 



Thanksgiving for Rain after a Drought, 

We praise Thee, Lord, that Thou hast not 
left Thyself without a witness 5 but art con- 
tinually doing good, even to the unthankful 
and unworthy. Thou givest them rain from 
heaven and fruitful seasons, and fillest their 
hearts with joy and gladness. Thou mightest 
justly have caused the heavens over us to be as 
brass, and the earth under us as iron. We have 
richly deserved even so great a calamity, and 
Thy power, without a miracle, could easily 
have inflicted it. But though Thou hast tried 
our patience, and awakened our fears ; yet 
Thou hast not forgotten to be gracious. We 
praise Thee for sending us seasonable and plen- 
tiful rain, by which Thou hast refreshed and 
revived the drooping fields, so that the earth 
promises to yield her increase. 



MISCELLANEOUS PETITIONS. 293 

Thanksgiving for Return of Fair Weather, 
Thou, Lord, art good, and doest good. 
Thou hast again surpassed our deserts, and 
done better to us than our fears. Thou causest 
the clear shining after the rain, and savest us 
from the fearful desolations, with which we were 
threatened. Thou providest for man and beast. 
May we feel our entire dependence on Thee; 
and by prayer and praise give unto Thee the 
glory that is due unto Thy holy name. 



Thanksgiving for a Good Harvest, 
Again, Lord, hast Thou crowned the year 
with Thy goodness. The earth has brought 
forth plentifully, for the supply of the constant- 
ly returning wants, both of man and beast. Its 
products also have been safely garnered for 
future use. We gratefully recognize in these 
events, Thy faithfulness and truth in the pro- 
mise, that, while the earth remaineth, seed time 
and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer 
and winter, and day and night shall not cease. 
May we learn to trust Thee in all Thy engage- 
ments, and show ourselves properly thankful for 
all Thy mercies, by a cheerful and unreserved 
consecration of our possessions and our lives to 
Thy service, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 



PRAYERS AT TABLE. 



Before Meat, 

Command Thy blessing upon us, Lord, in 
the reception of this food of Thine own provid- 
ing. Enable us to receive it with grateful 
hearts and to improve the strength we derive 
therefrom, to the glory and praise of Thy name, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amejst. 



Look in mercy upon us, Lord, at this time, 
and bless us in the use of the gifts of Thy 
bounty. May these and all Thy mercies flow 
to us in the channel of redeeming love, and do 
us good as they do the upright in heart, through 
Jesus Christ our Kedeemer. Amen. 



The eyes of all wait upon Thee, Lord, and 
Thou givest them their meat in due season. 
Help us to realize, that all our mercies come 
from Thee. Make us grateful for them, and 
grant us their sanctified use, through riches of 
grace in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 
294 



BEFORE MEA T. 295 

Once more, Lord, we are permitted to sur- 
round this table, furnished with the provisions 
of Thy bounty. Sanctify them to our use and 
ourselves to Thy service in Christ Jesus our Re- 
deemer. Amen. 



Thou, Lord, art the Giver of every good 
and perfect gift. Thou openest Thy hand lib- 
erally, and suppliest our wants as they return 
May all our mercies be received with becoming 
gratitude, and with a disposition, in the enjoy- 
ment thereof, to live to Thy glory and praise 
in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 



We praise Thee, Lord, for the gifts of Thy 
bounty now before us; and pray Thee to ac- 
company them with Thy blessing. And whilst 
Thou art thus mindful of our bodies, be pleased 
also to feed our souls with the bread of eternal 
life, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. 



Thou, Lord, art constantly mindful of us 
and doing us good, though we are often unmind- 
ful of Thee; yea, evil and unthankful. May 
the present, as well as Thy other mercies, lead 
us to repentance for our sins, and Thy long- 
suffering result in the salvation of our souls, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



296 P^^^ YEPS A T TABLE. 

After Meat. 

Accept^ Lord, our grateful acknowledg- 
ments for the present instance of Thy goodness; 
and continue Thy favors unto us as we need 
them, in Christ our Eedeemer. Amen. 



We thank Thee, Lord, for the portion of 
Thy earthly bounty, of which we have now 
partaken to the satisfying of our returning 
wants. And whilst Thou art providing for the 
body, we pray Thee not to forget the wants of 
our never-dying souls; all which we ask for 
Christ's sake. Amen. 



Once more, Lord, hast Thou fed us with 
food convenient for us. We thank Thee for 
Thy kind remembrance of us, and pray for 
grace and strength to make to Thee those re- 
turns of gratitude and obedience, which are just- 
ly Thy due, in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 



We praise Thee, Lord, for the favors we 
are constantly receiving at Thy hands, but es- 
pecially for the food of which we have just par- 



AFTER 3IEAT. 297 

taken. Let Thy mercies be evermore continued, 
and may we be enabled, in the enjoyment there- 
of, to live to the glory and praise of Thy name, 
in Christ our Redeemer. Amen. 



Thou hast placed us, Lord, under renewed 
obligations to Thee, in that Thou hast once 
more supplied our returning wants ; and we 
pray for grace and strength to make Thee re- 
newed returns of gratitude and praise, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen". 



To Thee; Lord, would we lift up our hearts 
in gratitude, for the rich provision Thou art 
constantly making for the wants of our bodies; 
and we pray Thee, with all these creature com- 
forts, to add the blessings and privileges of Thy 
grace, so that whilst our bodies are fed with 
food convenient for them, our souls may be 
nourished with the bread of eternal life, through 
Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 



Blessed and praised be Thy great and excel- 
lent name, Lord, for the present mercies re- 
ceived at Thy hands, and for all the favors 
Thou art continually bestowing upon us through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN, 



MORNING. 

Thou, Lord, hast kept me through the night, 
And blessed me with this morning's light. 
Be with me still, throughout this day, 
And make me walk in wisdom's way. Amen. 



Now I awake to see the day, 

I give my soul to Christ away ; 

If I should die before the even, 

I trust He'll take me up to heaven. Amen. 



God has kept me through the night ; 
He, too, sends me morning light. 
Keep me. Lord, another day : 
Thy commands help me obey. 
Bless me sleeping or awake. 
This I ask for Jesus sake. Amen. 



I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept 
Me safe from harm, whilst I have slept. 
Throughout the duties of this day, 
Be with me still, I humbly pray. 
Save me from danger and from sin, 
And make me pure and good within. 
In life and death, let me partake 
In Thy blest love, f)r Jesus' sake. Amen. 
298 



PRA YERS FOR CHILDREN. 299 

Though, Lord ! I am only a child, yet I 
am ghad I can speak to Thee. Jesus, when on 
earth, took little children in His arms and bless- 
ed them, and said, " Suffer the little children 
to come unto Me and forbid them not." Bless 
me this day and keep me in all Thy ways. 

I thank Thee, that Thou hast brought me 
safely thus far through life, as well as through 
the past night. Make me truly sorry for all 
the wrong I have ever done, and grant me, dear 
Saviour, Thy gracious pardon and favor. 

Help me this day to do right. May I love 
and obey my parents, be kind to my brothers 
and sisters, and to all my playmates ! Let me 
not get angry, nor speak naughty words, nor 
have naughty thoughts and feelings, nor do any 
thing that is wrong. 

Bless my father and mother, brothers and 
sisters, and every one I love, as well as every 
one else in the world. All this I ask for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen. 



Father in heaven, I thank Thee for all the 
beautiful things Thou hast made: for the sun 
that shines so brightly ; for the birds that sing 
so sweetly ; for the pretty flowers, and the 



300 Pli^ yEBS FOR CHILDREN. 

bright stars, and for every thing that makes the 
world so lovely and happy. My heart is happy 
too, when I think that God made me, and loves 
me, and takes care of me ; that He has given 
me such a good home, and such dear parents 
and friends, and so many good things. 

But, I am sad and sorry, when I think how 
often I have sinned against my Father in hea- 
ven, and done what I ought not to have done. 
For Jesus' sake, I pray Thee, forgive me, and 
help me always to be good. 

I thank Thee, Lord, for the good sleep of the 
past night, and that 1 am this morning, so well 
and happy. Take care of me this day, and 
keep me from all sin and harm. Bless my 
father and mother, and all my dear friends, 
playmates, and schoolmates; and bless all every 
where, with Thy love and grace, for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen. 



EVENING. 



Now I lay me down to sleep, 

I pray the Lord my soul to keep. 

If I should die before I wake, 

I pray the Lord my soul to take. — Amen. 



PEA YEES FOB CHILDREN. 301 

This night as I lie down to sleep, 
I give my soul to Christ to keep ; 
Wake I at morn, or wake I never, 
I give my soul to Christ forever. Amen. 



Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me ; 

Bless Thy little lamb to-night. 
Through the darkness, be Thou near me ; 

Keep me safe till morning light. 

All this day. Thy hand hath led me ; 

And I thank Thee for Thy care ; 
Thou hast clothed me, warm'd and fed me ; 

Listen to my evening prayer. 

Let my sins be all forgiven. 

Bless the friends I love so well; 
Take me when I die to heaven, 

Happy there with Thee to dwell. Amen. 



Father, now the day is past. 
On Thy child Thy blessing cast ; 
Near my pillow, hand in hand. 
Keep Thy guardian angel band, 
And throughout the darkling night 
Bless me with a cheerful light ; 
Let me rise at morn again 
Free from every thought of pain ; 
Pressing through life's thorny way, 
Keep me, Father, day by day ! Amen. 



Heavenly Father! though Thou art in hea-. 
ven, yet Thou takest care of everybody and 
everything in this world. Thou takest care 
26 



302 PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 

even of the flowers and of the little birds ; and 
hast taken care of me through all this day. I 
thank Thee for what Thou hast done for me, 
that I am so well and so happy ; that I have 
food to eat, and clothes to wear, and a bed to 
sleep in, and a good home, and such dear parents 
and kind friends. May I always be thankful, 
and kind and good^ and ever try. to please Thee, 
my heavenly Father, and make my parents and 
all around me happy. 

Forgive everything I have done wrong this 
day ; and help me never to sin any more. Take 
care of me to-night, and may I ever love to 
think, that, though I may be tired and sleepy, 
my Father in heaven never sleeps, and is never 
weary of watching over me and taking care of 
me. Help me to live a happy life, so that I 
may have at last a peaceful death, through 
Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



I thank Thee, Lord ! that I have lived 
through another day, and have had so many 
things to make me happy. I have had enough 
to eat and to wear, and have many dear friends. 
Every day I can learn something new, and can 
enjoy the good and beautiful things which Thou 



PBA YERS FOR CHILDREN. 303 

hast made. May I always remember, that 
every good thing I have, comes from my Father 
in heaven ! and give me a thankful heart ! 
Help me to do good to others around me, and 
make everybody happy, by being kind and 
gentle, and loving and obedient. Teach me 
and help me to be such a child as Jesus was on 
earth. Forgive all I have this day done wrong. 
Night has come again. Take care of me, 
Lord, while I sleep. May the good angels watch 
over me, and may I awake in the morning full 
of health, full of love, full of joy, ready to praise 
and serve Thee ! Bless all my dear friends, all 
my playmates, all poor people and sick persons, 
and all children who have no home ; and show 
Thy love to all men, for Christ's sake. Amen. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 



Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for this holy 
and blessed day. I have the Bible and can 
learn of Jesus, who came to save me. I have 
been taught to love Thee and to know that 
God loves good children. I can go to church 
and to Sunday School, and can join with Thy 
people in praying to Thee and in singing Thy 



304 PBAYEBS FOR CHILDREN, 

praise. May my heart be full of love to the 
Saviour, and full of thankfulness to my Father 
in heaven, who has done so much to make me 
good and happy ! 

Thou hast taken care of me in the night. I 
am alive and well this morning. I thank Thee 
for all these things ; and also for my dear pa- 
rents, and all my kind friends. Bless them, I 
pray Thee. Bless also all poor children, who 
have no parents and no home. May the Good 
Shepherd take care of them ; and may Jesus 
take care of me, and keep me from sin and harm, 
for His name's sake. Amen. 



SUNDAY EVENING. 

This day, Lord, have I heard of Jesus as 
the Good Shepherd. May I be one of the lambs 
of His flock. May He feed me, guard me, guide 
me, and bless me ! May I always follow Him, 
and never wander into the ways of sin ! 

I thank Thee for all I have this day heard 
of Jesus, at home and in the Sunday School, 
and pray that I may remember it, and that it 
may help me to do right. Make me sorry for 
all my sins, and grant me forgiveness. 

Bless my dear parents, and help me to make 



PEAYEBS FOR CHILDREN. 305 

them happy. Bless all my friends and may 
they be happy in loving the Saviour. Bless all 
the children of Sunday Schools, and help them 
to be good. Bless the children who have no 
one to teach them of the Saviour, and send the 
Bible and missionaries to every country, and 
teach all persons to love Jesus. And now, 
Lord, take care of me to-night, whilst I sleep, 
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 

Look, Lord, upon a little child, 

By nature sinful, weak, and wild ; 

O lay Thy gracious hands on me, 

And make me all I ought to be. Amebt. 



Gentle Jesus, meek and mild; 
Look upon a little child ; 
Pity my simplicity. 
Suffer me to come to Thee. 

Fain I would to Thee be brought; 
Gracious God ! forbid it not; 
In the kingdom of Thy grace, 
Give a little child a place. 

O supply my every want ; 
Feed the young and tender plant ; 
Day and night my keeper be. 
Every moment watch round me. Amen. 
26* 



306 PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN, 

I am a weak and helpless child, 

But Jesus died for me ; 
He bids me come to Him, that I 

His own dear lamb may be. 

I have a hard and sinful heart, 
But He can make it clean. 

Lord Jesus, wash away my sins, 
And come and dwell within I 

I pray Thee bless my parents. Lord, 
Brothers and sisters dear ; 

Keep me from harm by night, by day ; 
Teach me Thy name to fear. 

Teach me to love Thy blessed word, 

To love Thy holy day ; 
And may I feel that Thou art near, 

To hear me when I pray. 

Kind Shepherd, take me to Thy care, 
And when I'm called to die, 

With angels, may I sing Thy praise, 
Above the starry sky, 

A little lamb from sin set free, 

Thy glory to behold ; 
No more to wander from Thy ways, 

But safe within Thy fold I Amen. 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, 307 



Apostles Creed. 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of 
heaven and earth : 

And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son our 
Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of 
the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was 
crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended into hades ; 
the third day He rose from the dead ; He ascended 
into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the 
Father Almighty ; from thence He shall come to judge 
the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy catholic 
Church ; the communion of saints ; the forgiveness of 
sins ; the resurrection of the body, and the life ever- 
lasting. Amen. 



The Ten Commandments, 
Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. 
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, 
or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or 
that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water 
under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself to 
them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a 
jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon 
the children unto the third and fourth generations of 
them that hate Me ; and shewing mercy unto thous- 
ands of them that love Me, and keep My command- 
ments. 



308 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God 
in vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that 
taketh His name in vain. 

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six 
days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : but the 
seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God : in 
it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, 
nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidser- 
vant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within 
thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and 
earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the 
seventh day : wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath 
day, and hallowed it. 

Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days 
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God 
giveth thee. 

Thou shalt not kill. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Thou shalt not steal. 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh- 
bor. 

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou 
shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manser- 
vant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor 
anything that is thy neighbor's. 



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